Palace on martial law extension in Mindanao: It's an option

MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Wednesday said the government will look into the Sultan Kudarat bombing that killed two people and hurt at least 34 others on Tuesday night.

"We will assess it," Medialdea said, adding that the affected is covered by the state of lawlessness and martial law.

Medialdea explained that he does not necessarily recommend extension but it may be an option.  

"Tingnan natin (Let's see), it's an option. We're trying to make it as easy as possible kung ganito pa rin nangyayari, ano'ng gagawin? Upo lang tayo diyan? (If this continues to happen, what should we do? Should we just sit around?)," Medialdea said in a recorded ambush interview.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte also said she is open to the possibility martial law extension in Mindanao if the Armed Forces of the Philippines finds it necessary.

On Tuesday evening, a powerful blast occured along through a street in Isulan town amid a traditional municipal crop harvest thanksgiving festival called Hamungya Festival.

READ: 2 dead in Sultan Kudarat festival bombing

Among the fatalities in the incident are Leny Dohina Ombrog, 51 and the seven-year-old Devy Shane Alayon who died from shrapnel wounds in different parts of their bodies.

Medialdea condemned this bombing and incident saying lives should not be placed in danger especially in such festivities.

In September 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a "state of lawlessness" nationwide following a deadly blast in Davao City that killed at least 14 people and wounded 67 others.

The whole of Mindanao was also placed under martial law following the Marawi siege in May 2017. The martial law has been extended by the Congress until December 31 this year.  —Rosette Adel