Martial law not needed despite MSU bombing — AFP

Authorities secure the gymnasium of Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City on Sunday, shortly after it was turned into a bloody crime scene. The university issued a statement condemning the attack, noting how it was carried out on a campus and targeted a religious ceremony attended by students, a first in MSU’s history. (Lanao Del Sur Provincial Government/REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines — There is no need for the imposition of martial law after the deadly bombing in Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

“No, no, no,” Brawner said over CNN Philippines on Tuesday when asked about the possibility of a martial law in Mindanao.

“There is no need.”

“Your security forces are on top of the situation and as I said we believe that they will not be able to launch another attack with the magnitude of the Marawi siege,” Brawner added.

Brawner noted that the AFP is on red alert while the Philippine National Police declared heightened alert in Mindanao.

Four persons died while around  50 others were wounded after a bomb exploded inside the Dimaporo Gym of the MSU during the celebration of a Catholic mass on Dec. 3.

The IS claimed responsibility for the terror attack, but the AFP said it is still verifying the same.