By Fernan Angeles
FOR Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, the twin bombings that saw 14 persons killed and injuring 75 persons in Jolo, Sulu is more than enough reason to declare martial law in the area considered as bailiwick of the Abu Sayaff terrorist group.
In a radio interview today, August 25, Sobejana recommended declaration of martial law over the province of Sulu after the twin Jolo bombings yesterday.
“With that recent incident (apparently referring to Jolo twin bombings), there are a lot of casualties. To better control the population, I think it is wise to declare martial law once more,” Sobejana said.
He however would not say how long exactly is needed to contain terrorists in the area. The army chief instead said Sulu should be under martial law for as long as it is necessary, adding that the military would have to further study the circumstances on the ground.
Interestingly, Sobejana has yet to make a formal recommendation through a memorandum to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who would have to forward it to the President.