Jolo prelate on martial law plan: Consult people first

A Catholic prelate asked the authorities to consult the people first before recommending the Sulu province be placed under martial law following Monday’s deadly blasts.

Bishop Charlie Inzon of Jolo said the government must hear the voice of the people before making any major decision.

“It would be better to consult stakeholders, such as the local government, civil society organizations, religious groups, people’s organizations [for any decision] to be successful,” Inzon told Radio Veritas.

He also stressed the importance of “community support and cooperation” to achieve peace in the region.

Army chief Lt. Gen Cirilito Sobejana said the twin blasts that claimed 15 lives and wounded 78 others in Jolo on Monday may require martial law to be reimposed.

Sobejana said he would make a formal recommendation to Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

The explosions was the country’s deadliest attack since a double suicide bombing at a Catholic cathedral in January 2019 that left 20 people dead, mostly churchgoers. (CBCP News)

A version of this article was first published on CBCP News.