The Daily Manila Shimbun

 

Año backs Duterte if he declares martial law in areas where NPAs seize relief goods

April 27, 2020



Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday said he is ready to support President Rodrigo Duterte if he decides to declare martial law in areas where members of the New People’s Army  NPA) continue to attack law enforcers helping local officials distributing financial assistance in areas affected by the COVID-19.

In a TV interview, Año said Duterte is feeling alarmed on the reported NPA attacks in the past days.

“This is the time that we see them taking advantage of the (pandemic) crisis,” he said.

Citing recent attacks at Aurora, Negros Occidental and Ilocos where NPA attacked troops who are giving security to the barangay  and local government officials, the secretary said Duterte might be forced to declare martial law if this continues.

“The president said he will declare martial if the attack against those who are helping the barangay officials and local government units continues and if that time comes, we will really support the president,” Año said.

On Sunday, the military said they recorded around 37 attacks from the NPA and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

In a taped public message last April 24, Duterte threatened to declare martial law if NPA continue with their acts of lawlessness.

He noted the recent attack by the rebels to government forces engaged in delivering supplies to people, resulting in the death of two Army escorts, and their seizure of food relief packages in some areas.

"That's why I am now warning everybody and putting on notice the Armed Forces as well as the police, I might declare martial law and there will be no turning back," Duterte said. Ella Dionisio/DMS