Reimposing martial law in Mindanao a security option: Gapay

August 27, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Philipppines (AFP) is also considering the reimposition of martial law in Mindanao following the twin blasts in Sulu where at least 15 were killed on Monday.

"Yes the reimposition of martial law in Mindanao is one of the options that we are considering but we need right now are measures that can be immediately implemented so we could right away arrest and check on activites of terrorist groups operating not only in Jolo, Sulu but in the entire island of Mindanao," AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a television interview.

"It (martial law) remains as an option to us but for now what is important are actions, measures that can be immediately implemented and executed because you know martial law it would pass legislative process and would need congressional approval and that would take time, what we need now are immediate action," he added.

Following the series of bombing in Jolo that killed more than a dozen of victims, Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said he may recommend the declaration of martial law in Sulu.

Gapay said the AFP will study the reimposition of martial law once Sobejana submits a recommendation.

"We could endorse but what I'm saying is once recommended we will study this and what we’re thinking is the long process of approval because it would pass through the legislative process and again it take some time before we can secure congressional approval," he said.

Gapay stressed the importance of immediately implementing measures to address the security situation in southern Philippines.

"What we are proposing is while it is an option, the imposition of martial law, ... is strict implementation of Presidential Proclamation 55 which is still in effect. If you may recall way back in 2016, the President has issued Presidential Proclamation 55 declaring state of lawless violence in Mindanao and thereby calling the AFP to suppress law violence in the area. So it is still in effect and the conditions embodied in that presidential proclamation may be used as one of the, among the measures to really combat terrorism in the area," he said.

"Another thing we now have the Anti Terror Law of 2020 which will be put to test since we already have a case now.We had twin blasts, recent twin blasts in Jolo so we are recommending and proposing implementation of Presidential Proclamation 55 and as well as implementation of the Anti Terror law. That’s... our immediate action to address immediately the threat of terrorism in Mindanao," Gapay said. Robina Asido/DMS