Gapay: AFP crafting memorandum order geared towards a ‘more comprehensive’ Proclamation 55

The military is crafting a revised memorandum order, which aims to enforce a more comprehensive Presidential Proclamation No. 55 in the southern portion of the country, Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay said on Wednesday.

During the Commission of Appointments deliberation on Gapay's nomination to the rank of general, Occidental Mindoro Representative Josephine Ramirez-Sato asked the AFP chief if he supports the previous call of Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay to place Sulu province under martial law due to the deadly blasts.

Gapay reiterated that while it remains an option, an immediate measure must be enforced to curb terror attacks in the region, noting that the Presidential Proclamation No. 55 is still in effect.

Under the said proclamation, Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under a state of national emergency due to lawless violence.

"Right now, we are crafting a revised memorandum order to implement Presidential Proclamation 55. In this time, it will be geared towards a more comprehensive and holistic approach in dealing with terrorism, not only in Mindanao but in the entire country," Gapay said.

Gapay said this would be submitted to the Office of the President. This would include the roles and support of local government units and other government agencies and sectors in fighting terrorism.

Sobejana had already withdrawn his suggestion to place Sulu under military rule as "there could be better options."

The twin bomb attacks on August 24 left 15 people dead and injured more than 70 individuals.

The military said the explosions were perpetrated by two female suicide bombers. It also said the mastermind was Mundi Sawadjaan. — RSJ, GMA News