Following the recent twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu, senators are opposing the proposed martial law declaration in Mindanao.
“No need. Anti-Terror Law is already in place. That was one of the reasons we passed it. We are hoping it will solve the terrorism in Mindanao,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III emphasized.
Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senator Richard Gordon also expressed the same viewpoint, saying the new law to counter terrorism will help security forces combat terrorist activities in the entire country.
“Sa declaration ng martial law, dalawa – invasion tsaka rebellion. Kung ‘di mako-connect ang Jolo bombing sa dalawang ‘yun, ‘di pwedeng sumang-ayon ang Kongreso na bigyan ng power ang Presidente na mag-declare ng martial law. Second, naipasa na natin ang Anti-Terrorism Act (For the declaration of martial law, there should be invasion or rebellion. If either of the two cannot be connected to the Jolo bombing, Congress cannot agree on granting the President the power to declare it. Second, the Anti-Terrorism Act [of 2020] has been passed),” Lacson explained.
Gordon assured the ATL will not be abused for it was passed in a fair manner with appropriate duration for detention.
“We have to pacify these areas and if we need the Anti-Terrorism Law to use it, basta walang abuse. ‘Di naman ma-abuse, may deadlines sa araw ng detention ‘yan (as long as there is no abuse. It will not be abused since there is a deadline for the period of detention),” Gordon stated.
– Report from Eunice Samonte
