Sulu martial law depends on blasts being an act of rebellion –DOJ

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Tuesday that whether or not martial law would be imposed following the recent deadly explosions in Jolo depended on the nature of the incident.

Guevarra explained that President Rodrigo Duterte may declare martial law if it was found that the bombings were an act of rebellion.

If it was a case of lawless violence, Guevarra said Duterte may call on the military to prevent or suppress further violence under Section 18, Article VII of the Constitution.

If it was a terrorist act, Guevarra said the government would enforce the anti-terrorism law the best it could, given that the law's implementing rules and regulations had yet to be promulgated.

"It all depends on the nature of the incident after due investigation," the secretary said in a message to reporters.

Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana recommended the declaration of martial law in Sulu province after 15 people died in two explosions in Jolo on Monday.

Mindanao was under martial rule until December 31, 2019, more than two years after Duterte imposed it due to the Marawi siege.

Guevarra, meanwhile, ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to "secure the blast area and preserve any and all evidence" following the explosions.

The secretary was confident that the NBI would be able to identify the nationality of the alleged suicide bombers and their cohorts after a thorough investigation. — DVM, GMA News