Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said on Monday that the declaration of martial law may be a viable option in the wake of recent attacks of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on local officials and their personnel who were on relief missions in the midst of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Año expressed his view in interview with GMA following reports that the NPA attacked government men and their escorts who were distributing social amelioration aid to residents affected by the health crisis.
Explaining further, Año said that is the reason why the President lamented the possibility of declaring martial due to the persistent violent offensives of the rebel group on barangay officials and their personnel.
In the event that time comes, Año vowed to support the President’s decision.
Earlier, President Duterte threatened to declare martial law to eradicate the NPA, citing reports from the military that communist rebels blocked the aid intended for Samar province beneficiaries.
On Friday, a police officer and a local government official were wounded after alleged NPA gunmen attacked a police vehicle in Masbate’s Monreal town.
Año scored the rebel groups for resorting to violence victimizing government men who are doing relief operations.
Lawmakers had mixed reactions on this possibility, but Duterte critics objected to the declaration of martial law claiming this will only justify more human rights violations against the administration’s staunch critics. (Chito A. Chavez)