More SAF commandos to be deployed to Sulu — PNP

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa has directed the elite Special Action Force and the Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to deploy more personnel to Sulu province following the twin explosions last Monday.

According to PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac on Thursday, one SAF battalion, composed of 288 personnel, would be deployed to Sulu.

This battalion is an addition to the 60 SAF commandos already in the province prior to the deadly blasts, Banac said.

Earlier, the PNP chief ordered the Philippine Bomb Data Center and Crime Laboratory to provide technical support to the ongoing probe into the incident, which killed 15 individuals and injured 70 others who were mostly civilians.

Gamboa has said analysts would determine the bomb signatures of the explosives to trace the person or group behind the lawless act.

The police organization has expressed support to the call of Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana to declare martial law in the province to prevent more terror attacks.

Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay said martial law remains an option but an immediate measure, such as strictly enforcing the state of national emergency in Mindanao, must be done to curb terrorism. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News