Incoming PNP chief supports martial law declaration in Mindanao

Incoming PNP head Chief Supt. Ronald dela Rosa. INQUIRER PHOTO

The incoming chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) supports the idea of declaring martial law in certain areas in Mindanao to address the longstanding Moro insurgency in the region.

“Kung ‘yan ang talagang makakalutas sa problema eh ‘di mas magandang gawin ‘yan. Kung ‘yan ang nakikita nating magandang solusyon,” Chief Supt. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said in an interview at Camp Crame on Tuesday.

Dela Rosa, however, was tight-lipped about his plan against terror groups, particularly the Islamic extremists.

“I’m not the PNP chief yet. Once I assume, I will speak with General Visaya, the incoming (AFP) chief of staff and discuss how we will solve the problem,” he said.

He said the PNP would continue to support the military in its counterterrorism efforts against the Abu Sayyaf Group bandits.

The Abu Sayyaf beheaded Robert Hall, one of its captives, after its deadline for the P600 million ransom lapsed on Monday afternoon.

Hall was the second Canadian national the ASG executed after John Ridsdel. The bandits beheaded Ridsdel last May after their demand for a P300-million ransom was not met.

The bandits kidnapped Ridsdel and Hall along with Hall’s Filipina girlfriend Marites Flor and Norwegian national Khartan Sekkingstad in Samal Island, Davao del Norte, in September last year.