RETIRED army general Raymundo Jarque said on Monday, November 26, that the declaration of the state of lawlessness is a prelude to martial law.
"From the views of some of his friends, even partly from the military, It is a prelude to martial law. That is their notion. But hopefully, it will not happen," Jarque said.
When asked why President Rodrigo Duterte did not declare martial law to suppress violence and acts of terror which is happening not only in Mindanao but also in other areas of the country, Jarque said the President is a lawyer who is also surrounded with lawyers and that there are provisions in the Constitution that need to be observed.
"This is now also a game of lawyers," he added.
Jacque also said the state of lawlessness in Negros is isolated that does not warrant the need to deploy additional military and police troops.
"Lawlessness is only in the far-flung areas," Jarque pointed out.
Jarque was once provincial commander of the army in Negros became controversial after his defection to the New People's Army more than two decades ago.
He said the government forces are fighting guerrillas, not ordinary criminals in Negros.
Jarque's reaction is relative to the order of Duterte for reinforcement of military and police forces in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bicol, and Samar to suppress lawless violence and acts of terror in those areas. (TDE)