President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he anticipates more terrorist attacks in the south following the two deadly bombing incidents in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat.
“There’s a lot of terror attacks going on, not only here but all over the world and my country is not an exception,” Duterte said as he and Philippine Red Cross chairman Senator Richard Gordon witnessed Magen David Adom’s response demonstration to a terror attack.
“We just had about two explosions in one of the provinces in Mindanao, and we expect more,” Duterte told Israel’s national emergency service.
“I’m sure your government would be willing to help us.”
Duterte highlighted the importance of developing the country’s emergency response to calamities and attacks.
On Sunday, a bomb was detonated inside an Internet shop in Barangay Kalawag 2, in the town of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, at past seven in the evening, leaving two people dead and several others wounded.
On Aug. 28, an improvised explosive device was also detonated during the Isulan’s Hamungaya Festival, killing three people and injuring more than 30 others.
Following the recent bombings in the south, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said there was a possibility martial law would be extended in Mindanao. He said the extension was an option.
Malacañang has already assured the local government of Isulan that it is in control of the situation, saying the government will defend democracy and the public.
Following the back-to-back incident of bombing under their watch, Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde has already ordered the relief of the provincial police officials.