ARMM execs support martial law extension in Mindanao
SULTAN KUDARAT— Local officials will not oppose an extension of the Mindanaowide martial law as a possible consequence of the deadly bombing Tuesday night in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat. Three were killed while more than 30 others, two of them soldiers and a militiaman, were injured in the attack that marred the town’s good harvest “Hamungaya Festival.”
It is a yearly event involving Muslim, Christian and Lumad residents in Isulan, an agricultural hub and capital town of Sultan Kudarat under Administrative Region 12.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea reportedly hinted Wednesday that extending the martial law, to terminate by yearend, could be an option since the bombing in Barangay Kalawag in Isulan town indicated that there is still need for it.
The incident resulted in the instant deaths of Leny Dohina Ombrog, 51 and the seven-year-old Devy Shane Alayon.
A 21-year-old college student Wellmark John Lapides, died in a hospital 24 hours later.
Barangay officials in Isulan told reporters yesterday that they favor an extension of the martial law in Mindanao to sustain the expanded authority of the police and military in addressing peace and security issues in Sultan Kudarat and nearby provinces where there are Islamic State inspired blocs.