Lorenzana confirms he said gov't forces can contain Marawi crisis without martial law

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed Wednesday that he told senators during the executive session that government forces can contain the situation in Marawi City even without the declaration of martial law.

In a press statement, Lorenzana said his exact words during an executive session with senators on May 29 were "the government security forces can contain the situation in Marawi City even without martial law.”

He said that he also told senators that the declaration of martial law was, however, imperative to once and for all address security concerns in the entire Mindanao immediately and decisively.

Minority Leader Sen. Franklin Drilon earlier said that Lorenzana told senators that they could stop the Maute group even without martial law.

"One particular issue, question was asked pointedly by Senator Trillanes, can we contain Maute without martial law? The answer of (Defense) Secretary (Delfin) Lorenzana, yes we can," the senator said.

The Defense secretary said the situation currently being dealt with by state security forces goes beyond Marawi City.

“President Duterte’s imposition of martial law aims to put an end to the long running rebellion in various provinces in the South, as evidenced by the incidents that happened in Zamboanga, Davao, Bohol, Lanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Maguindanao,” he said.

He reiterated the the President’s statement that “kung magdi-declare ako ng martial law, tatapusin ko nang lahat ito,” referring to threats posed by ISIS-linked local and foreign terrorist groups whose network covers the entire Mindanao.

Lorenzana attended the executive session with senators together with National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. —ALG, GMA News