MANILA – Martial law in Negros Oriental is not needed as of the moment as operations implemented by state forces were enough to maintain peace in the province, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP spokesman Brigadier General Bernard Banac on Monday said police will still assess the situation in Negros Oriental before recommending that martial rule is needed.
“Hindi natin masasabi or mairere-commend sa ngayon dahil nakikita natin na kontrolado naman ang kalagayan doon, subalit maaring maging iba ang assessment ng ating mga political leaders,” Banac said.
“Base sa crime incidents ay under control ito,” he added. “Sa ngayon nakikita natin na sapat na ang peace and order campaign na isinasagawa sa Negros.”
Banac said the situation in Negros Oriental is slowly reverting back to normal two weeks after a series of murder, including the four intelligence officers in Ayungon town.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he was about to do “something drastic” in the coming days about the rampant killings in Negros Oriental, which claimed 21 lives.
“I will explain in the coming days but I’m about to do something drastic. It will not sit well with everybody, maybe including you but it is needed,” Duterte said.
“You have to help in the maintenance of law and order. Do not limit yourself diyan sa ano. Kulang nga tayo ng tao eh,” added Duterte.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte can opt to declare martial law in Negros Island to quell the “lawless violence in the region.”/PN
