By Fernan Angeles
DAYS after recommending the imposition of martial law down south, Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana took a step back on his desire imposing strict security protocol in Sulu after the twin explosions that hit the town of Jolo last week.
“I drop my recommendation for martial law declaration over Sulu despite the turmoil as there might be other better options,” Sobejana said on Sunday.
“Besides, I always give due respect to the wisdom of our national leadership and the sentiment of the general public,” he added.
Citing “professionalism and maturity” of the military, Sobejana however stood firm on his earlier statements hinting military capability in implementing the martial law in Sulu adding that he was Joint Task Force Sulu commander in the island province down south back in 2017.
“We have realized substantial gains on our security efforts. We effectively reduced the number of kidnap victims from 54 to 3; a number of ASG key leaders were neutralized,” he said.
“There were more than a hundred of ASG members who had surrendered; more than a thousand loose/undocumented firearms were handed over,” he added.
Sobejana also pointed out that the government services from the local officials of the province, municipalities, and barangays were felt.
Partnership among stakeholders was enhanced during that time and the religious and traditional leaders, as well as the community showed support and cooperation in peace efforts, he added.
“There was no single bomb attack perpetrated by the ASGs,” he added.
According to Jolo Mayor Kerkhar Tan, however, bombings still happened in his municipality, citing the bomb attacks at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel cathedral in 2019 when the entire Mindanao was under martial law.
“We remain committed to protect the interest of our Tausug brothers and sisters and the rest of the Filipinos. God bless Sulu and God bless all,” Sobejana said.
The twin bomb attacks on August 24 left 15 people dead and 74 others wounded, according to JTF Sulu.
The bombings were perpetrated by two female suicide bombers, the military said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines assured the public it is committed to secure the country against terrorism and all other threats, as it lauded the bravery of its frontliners.
“The AFP lauds all our frontline personnel who continue to step up and lead the charge to keep our communities safe, even at the risk of their own lives,” AFP chief Gilbert Gapay said.
Malacañang earlier said President Rodrigo Duterte will look into the recommendation of the Philippine Army and the police to impose martial law in Sulu.
Gapay however said although declaring martial law is an option, urgent action is needed to prevent terror attacks in Mindanao.
On Thursday, August 27, Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr. expressed opposition to the recommendation to place Sulu under martial law, saying that preventing and countering terrorism in the province is a “shared responsibility.”
Some senators also said they were not in favor of having martial law in Sulu since the anti-terror law is already in place.