WestMinCom chief Vinluan opposes martial law in Sulu

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr. on Thursday expressed opposition on placing the province of Sulu under martial law following the deadly blasts in Jolo town last Monday.

In a television interview, Vinluan said that preventing and countering terrorism in the province is a "shared responsibility."

"Actually during our meeting, presided by the governor with the attendance of municipal mayors and other stakeholders, I emphasized that with the active participation of local officials, down to barangay level including civilians, we no longer need the declaration of martial law," Vinluan told ANC.

Vinluan also believes that the number of security forces in the province is enough to prevent terrorist attacks.

"For now ang kailangan namin dito is 'yung economic package para sa civilians dito but for the military presence, I think law enforcers here are enough to go after the ASG," the military official said.

It was Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana who had suggested that military rule should be imposed in the province to prevent the lawless activities of terrorists.

Sobejana's recommendation was supported by the Philippine National Police.

Vinluan reiterated they are not discounting the possibility that lawless elements would again launch attacks. He said that military operations to find Mundi Sawadjaan, the nephew of ISIS emir to the Philippines Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, are continuousq.

The WestMinCom chief also admitted that the assistance of other countries, including the United States, is needed to catch these local terrorists.

"Of course we need the support of US and other countries in locating the whereabouts of other elements of terrorist group here in Sulu. They are helping us," Vinluan said.

"Mali naman sabihin namin na hindi namin sila kailangan because their role is very important in locating the ASG members," he added.

The deadly blasts in Barangay Walled City last Monday claimed the lives of 15 individuals, including soldiers, a police officer, and civilians. More than 70 others were wounded in the incident caused by two female suicide bombers.

Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brigadier General William Gonzales has identified the two suspected suicide bombers as Nanah, allegedly the wife of Filipino suicide bomber Norman Lasuca, while the other was identified as Inda Nhay, believed to be the wife of Abu Talha, the Abu Sayyaf's liaison to ISIS who was killed during a firefight with troops.

Vinluan had said based on accounts of witnesses, the suspected suicide bombers are Tausugs. He, however, said the military would still wait for the result of the lab tests to confirm their nationalities.

He also said revenge for the death of ISIS emir Sawadjaan was one of the angles being looked into by the military in the deadly blasts in Jolo.—AOL, GMA News