Arroyo backs martial rule extension in Mindanao after Sultan Kudarat blast

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is backing a proposal from Malacañang to extend martial law in Mindanao following the bombing in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that killed two people and injured 36 others.

READ: 2 killed, 36 hurt in Sultan Kudarat bombing

LOOK: Improvised bomb kills 2, hurts 36 in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat

“I support martial law in Mindanao,” Arroyo said in an ambush interview after the blessing of the Romana Pangan District Hospital in Floridablanca, Pampanga on Thursday.

“I support what the President does because I’ve been president and I believe that he does not need a peanut gallery to tell him what to do,” she added.

On Wednesday, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said extending martial rule in the southern region could be an option following the Sultan Kudarat blast.

READ: Medialdea: Extending martial law in Mindanao is an option

While Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said they are open to this option, Vice President Leni Robredo doubts that it could thwart future attacks.

READ: Palace OK with possible martial law extension in Mindanao

READ: VP Leni opposes extension of martial law in Mindanao

President Rodrigo Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017 after the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group attacked the Islamic City of Marawi.

Congress later extended it until the end of 2018. /muf