Martial law in Sulu unnecessary with anti-terror law in place —senators

Declaring martial law in Sulu due to the twin blasts in Jolo is unnecessary, several senators who supported the passage of Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 said on Tuesday.

"No need. Anti terror law is already in place. That was one of the reasons we passed it, we are hoping it will solve the terrorism in Mindanao," Senate President Vicente Sotto III said in a message to reporters.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, principal sponsor of the anti-terror law, said "another declaration of martial law in Mindanao or Sulu may not be necessary."

He maintained that the anti-terror law was passed to effectively address terrorism in Mindanao and it was unfortunate its implementing rules and regulations have not been released yet.

Lacson underscored that it could have given "law enforcement agencies and the AFP the impetus to fully implement the law with efficacy and confidence, even proactively" especially as inchoate offenses' are punishable under the law even at the stage of planning and preparation.

Senator Richard Gordon likewise does not see the need to declare martial law in the southern part of the country.

"No, I don't think so. We have enough soldiers there. Sixty percent of the Armed Forces is in Mindanao," he said.

Assuring that there are enough safeguards to prevent abuse in the implementation of the anti-terror law, he said: "Dapat talaga pinapairal natin ang batas, 'di tayo complain nang complain."

Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana recommended that martial law be placed over Sulu after the twin blasts killed 15 people on Monday.

The Philippine National Police supported this proposed move.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said President Rodrigo Duterte may declare martial law if it was found that the bombings were an act of rebellion. —LDF, GMA News