Martial law in Negros Oriental? AFP ‘studying situation’ on the ground

Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesperson Brid. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. Image: Katrina Hallare/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it is studying the possibility of recommending the imposition of martial law in Negros Oriental in relation to the spate of killings happening in the province. 

“Una, ang declaration will have to come from the President [Rodrigo Duterte], of course with direct recommendation from civil forces,” AFP spokesperson Brid. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said at the Fernandina Forum held in Club Filipino, San Juan City. 

READ: 13 killings in 5 days stoke martial law talk in Negros

“Sa amin po sa Armed Forces of the Philippines, pinaga-aaralan po namin ang sitwasyon, sapagkat laging ang sitwasyon sa ground ay ating pong pagbabasihan at ang recommendation ng ating mga local chief executives,” he added. 

“Sa ngayon po, wala pa po tayong nararating na consensus tungkol ukol sa ganyan,” Arevalo said. 

The province has seen a rise of killings in recent days. Fourteen people have been gunned down since July 23, including a former mayor and a councilor. /je

READ: 14th victim killed as Negros Oriental bloodbath continues