Manila, Mindanao on ‘full, heightened’ alert after Sultan Kudarat blast

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila has been placed under heightened alert following the powerful blast which occurred in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday night.

Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde made the announcement on Wednesday.

Albayalde also said he directed the regional directors in Mindanao to be on full alert status after the deadly bombing.

“It’s (effective) until the end of martial law,” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law in May 2017 after the combined Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists laid siege to Marawi City. This was extended by the Congress to December 2018.

The Sultan Kudarat blast killed and injured more than 30 others, including two soldiers and a militiaman. The bombing occurred during the town’s good harvest “Hamungaya Festival.”

Local officials of Isulan said they will not oppose an extension of the Mindanao-wide martial law.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea also earlier said extending the martial law is an option.