Lorenzana: No need for nationwide martial law

MANILA, Philippines —  Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Saturday assured the public that the government will not declare martial law in the Visayas and Luzon. 

Lorenzana made the statement during the interpellation on the martial law extension at a joint session of the 17^th Congress.

The Defense chief was asked by opposition Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on whether the inclusion of dismantling the private armed groups and the New People’s Army in its operational directive for the implementation of martial law would call for the declaration of martial law in Visayas and nationwide.

Pangilinan cited recent NPA attacks nationwide and a past standoff between the government forces and the Abu Sayyaf in Bohol.

“Hindi po mangyayari ‘yan siguro, kaya lang po nasasali iyan dahil sa Mindanao naman yung martial law, kaakibat na yan sa trabaho namin na security operations,” Lorenzana said of whether martial law could cover the entire Philippines.

Lorenzana said even if operations against the NPA are not included in the martial law implementation, there is a need to handle them.

He also said the Duterte administration has no plans of declaring martial law in Visayas. Only the president can declare martial law.

Martial law needed across Mindanao

Asked on why there is a need to declare martial law in the whole of Mindanao, Lorenzana said although there are no actual incidences of rebellion in other provinces the terror group still pose threat in nearby areas.

“[Ito po] ay para puwede kaming humabol sa kanila kung saan man sila (Maute group) magpunta,” he said.

Pangilinan however said that there should be actual rebellion or invasion to justify the declaration of martial law and not just mere threats. He also questioned the need for longer martial law when the government forces have cleared 16 barangays in 60 days and there are only 4 barangays left to clear.

'There is a need for martial law extension'

“Kailangan pa po kailangan masugpo yung Abu Sayyaf ng Basilan at Jolo saka yung BIFF ng Central Mindanao kasi po wag nating pabayaang silay lumakas ulit at saka tayo gagalaw kung magbabakaan ulit ay mas malaki po ang kaguluhang magaganap,” Lorenzana said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who issued Proclamation 216 or the declaration of martial law and lifted the habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao, is asking the Congress to extend the martial law until December 31.

Pangilinan asked the DND chief if the AFP will become incapable or ineffective if only 60 day-period extension has been approved to which Lorenzana replied that they just need “leeway to finish their job.”

Fellow opposition senator and Liberal Party member, Sen. Franklin Drilon earlier also questioned the 150-days extension period asked by Duterte for martial law.

Congress, voting 261 against 18, approved the extension of martial law until December 31 of this year on Saturday afternoon.