Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile believes that martial law has been a critical factor in ensuring peace and order in the entire Mindanao region.
If it weren’t for martial law, the situation would have been more serious, according to Enrile who has also served as Defense Minister during the terms of Presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Cory Aquino.
This was Enrile’s reaction in response to the recent bombing incident in Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu that resulted in the deaths of 21 people and the wounding of several others.
During his program “Itanong mo kay Manong Johnny” on Radyo Inquirer and Inquirer 990TV, Enrile also said that it was correct for the government to use military force against acts of terror committed by terrorist groups operating in Mindanao.
Enrile, who is running again for senator in the coming May elections, said that the military and police should push on with their campaign against all armed groups in the country.
According to him, this is the only way to guarantee true peace and order that has been a historic wish of each and every Filipino.