MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will consider recommendations to declare martial law in Sulu following the twin blasts in Jolo that killed at least 14 people.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the President “listens” to those on the ground, but noted that Congress and the Supreme Court must also give their nod to the recommendations given by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Well the President will of course consider this recommendation as will both Congress and the Supreme Court,” Roque said in an interview over CNN Philippines.
“Let’s just say the recommendations have been made and the President listens to those on the ground,” he added.
Following the twin explosion in Jolo, Sulu on August 24, Army chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the situation calls for martial law. The incident resulted in the death of 14 people, including police and soldiers, and wounded 72 individuals.
PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa backed Sobejana’s push for a declaration of martial law, saying it will allow state forces “more operational flexibility” to carry out operations against threats in the area.
But several senators, including Senate President Vicente Sotto III, already thumbed down the recommendation noting that the the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was already being implemented.
Meanwhile, Roque noted that Duterte already gave his orders to both the AFP and PNP in a recent command conference.
“The fact that he did not say anything, it’s probably because he has already given the necessary orders to the top ranks of the AFP and the PNP and you don’t discuss what you intend to do as far as situation on the ground is publicly,” Roque said when asked why the President did not mention the Jolo incident in his latest address.
Asked if the President will visit Jolo, Roque said it will be “difficult” due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the situation on the ground.