Lorenzana, PNP cool to martial law in Negros

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana does not see the need to declare martial law in Negros Oriental amid the spate of killings.

 “As of now, I don’t see the need... but we will wait for the recommendation of the PNP (Philippine National Police), AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and LGUs (local government units),” Lorenzana told reporters during the turnover of a regional evacuation center in Barangay Gines, Zarraga, Iloilo yesterday.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo had said President Duterte is considering using his emergency powers and might declare martial law “soon” to address the killings.

Under control

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the situation in Negros is “under control.” He said the police also remains on alert.

“The PNP is closely monitoring the peace and order situation in Negros Oriental,” Banac said.

Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, Central Visayas police director, said some people are presenting the incidents as a ”very big crisis” when the situation is ”very manageable.”

Sinas also noted that there is no clamor among local government officials to declare  martial law in Negros Oriental.

He said there is ”nothing extraordinary” about the killings,  except those involving four police officers in Guihulngan City, former Ayungon mayor Edsel Enardecido, Canlaon City Councilor Bobby Jalandoni and two barangay captains.

At least 21 people were shot dead in the province from July 18 to 28.

Sinas said the police is doing its best to respond to the killings, citing random checkpoints and strict implementation of local ordinances, among others.

He said charges were filed against the suspects in 11 of the incidents, mostly New People’s Army rebels.

Up to Rody

The PNP said the President has the prerogative to use any of his emergency powers to maintain peace and order.

“Martial law is a political decision. Your Army, specifically the 3rd Infantry Division, is just an implementor should higher authorities deem it necessary,” Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, 3rd ID commander, said.

Dolina said the military would abide by the President’s decision.  – Choy Gallarde/The Freeman, Romina Cabrera, Michael Punongbayan, Gilbert Bayoran, Rhodina Villanueva