Bombings not prelude to martial law, Palace says

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella says there are no indications that would prompt the declaration of martial law. KING RODRIGUEZ/ Presidential Photo

The recent bombings in Leyte and North Cotabato are not “indicators” of a possible declaration of martial law, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Thursday.

Abella said the separate bombings Wednesday night in Hilongos, Leyte, and Aleosan, Cotabato, were “areas of concern” but  not cause for alarm.

President Rodrigo Duterte remained on top of the situation, he stressed at a press briefing in Malacañang.

READ: 6 hurt in Cotabato bomb blast | 2 IEDs explode at Leyte town plaza; 33 hurt — police

“Why is it so? Simply because first and foremost, nobody has made actual claims regarding responsibility. (Nobody) has not taken responsibility for those explosions, so we can’t pinpoint any specific area or person responsible,” Abella said.

Asked if Malacanang was considering martial law following the bombings, the spokesman said, “At this stage, there are no indications regarding that matter.”

Abella noted that the blast areas, like Hilongos, had not been the subject of threats.

He explained that these were not indicators for a declaration of martial law.

Abella earlier said the President would only resort to martial law to “protect and preserve the safety of the people.”

READ: Duterte to declare martial only if needed

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/857312/duterte-to-declare-martial-law-only-if-needed

The spokesman assured that Duterte was on top of the situation.

“The President is very managerial regarding these matters. Definitely, he’s on top of the matter,” Abella said. CBB/rga