With the call of Save Sulu Movement for him to declare martial law in six municipalities of Sulu, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said that he needed more time to ponder on it deeply.
“It is not only a political decision but also an emotional one. You do not tinker with the extraordinaire powers of the state,” said President Duterte on Tuesday, when he arrived at Davao’s airport from China.
The president recalled his warning two months ago, when terrorist groups have been throwing bombs and planting IEDs in high schools.
“I issued a warning that do not force my hand to declare martial law because if I do, I will solve not only rebellion I will solve everything that ails Mindanao. Pati na ‘yung boundary sa lupa.”
President Duterte reiterated that Martial Law is a very serious matter and that if he declares its implementation, there is no way of telling how long would it take to restore order or if the state will succeed.
“But just the same I’m warning everybody that if I declare martial law, there is no telling how long would it be and for what purpose. I’m telling you now that I will not only decide to end rebellion, I will solve everything I said what’s sick in Mindanao,” he said.
On May 10, Save Sulu Movement spokesperson Prof. Octavio Dinampo urged the president to declare martial law in Patikul, Indanan, Parang, Maimbung, Talipao, and Kalingalan Caluang, which he called the “craters of terrorism” in Sulu.
