PNP backs call for Sulu-wide martial law after twin blasts

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday backed the call for the declaration of martial law in Sulu after Jolo was rocked by two deadly blasts on Monday.

PNP chief Police General Archie Gamboa echoed the call of Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana for a Sulu-wide martial law.

"This will allow the military and police more operational flexibility to carry out law enforcement operations against domestic threat groups in the area,” Gamboa said in a statement.

He also ordered the Philippine Bomb Data Center and Crime Laboratory to provide technical support to the ongoing probe into the twin explosions.

The police chief said analysts will determine the bomb signatures of the explosives to trace the person or group behind the blasts.

At least 15 people were killed in Barangay Walled City after it was hit by two explosions on Monday morning.

The number of people wounded in the blasts has also climbed to 78.

Martial law previously prevailed over Mindanao from May 2017 to December 2019 as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s bid to quell terror groups allegedly plotting a caliphate through the Marawi siege. -NB, GMA News