MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday backed a possible declaration of martial law should attacks by communist rebels jeopardize relief assistance amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.
“If the so-called ‘enemies of the state’ will continue to harass military and police non-combatants especially those performing the humanitarian task of assisting in the distribution of social amelioration funds, I will support the president’s decision to declare martial law,” Lacson, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, told INQUIRER.net in a text message.
This after President Rodrigo Duterte warned that he would declare martial law if attacks by communist rebels continue as the country grapples with the pandemic.
In a taped address, the chief executive slammed the New People’s Army for killing soldiers and for allegedly stealing supply and aid amid the pandemic.
Lacson said martial law can be declared “at least in areas where the NPA’s operate with impunity and without regard to the ongoing public health crisis that we are going through.”
“In fact, I will encourage a no-nonsense military offensive against them,” he added.
Two soldiers were killed and three others were wounded in an encounter with NPA rebels during an aid distribution in Aurora province last Tuesday, according to the military.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III likewise said the President would be “obligated” to declare martial law should “rebellion continue” amid the pandemic.
“If NPA (New People’s Army) attacks persist and therefore rebellion continues in the midst of the pandemic, the President is obligated to declare (martial law),” Sotto told reporters.
Duterte has extended the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and other “high risk” areas until May 15 as the government scrambles to contain the spread of the virus.
To date, Philippine health officials have so far confirmed 6,981 COVID-19 cases in the country.
Of the number, 722 have recovered while 462 have died.