No need to reimpose martial law – Olivar

By CHARISSA LUCI
January 6, 2010, 11:54am

There is no need to reimpose martial law amid attacks on the Ampatuan mansion and on a gasoline station that sowed panic and fear among the residents, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential economic spokesperson Gary Olivar rejected any possibility of placing anew Maguindanao under a state of martial law, saying that the authorities are in full control of the situation.

“We don’t see anything happening right now that would warrant such (declaration),” he told in a press briefing.

Twin mortal attacks were hurled against the home of former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. in Shariff Aguak on Sunday night, leaving one man injured.

Apart from the mansion, the Petron gas station, which was owned by Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan, was also attacked. Olivar noted that the first day of trial has been a “good start” signifying that the judiciary has the full grip of the infamous case involving the Ampatuan clan.

“I think we will note for the first day that the proceedings went smoothly and the inquiry is very much under the judicial control and is expected to proceed under the control of the judge,” he said.