AN ARMY official said only President Rodrigo Duterte can call off martial law in line with the progressive group's strong plea to cease the implementation of the military rule.
Eastern Mindanao Commander Leonardo Guerrero on Thursday, June 22, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines will adhere to the decisions of President Rodrigo Duterte as they are just following his orders.
Guerrero also denied that the incident at Sitio Nasilaban, Talaingod, Davao del Norte where a Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) member fired at a lumad teacher is martial law related.
"Siguro hindi (Maybe it’s not) martial law related yun, yung nabalitaan ko sa (the one that I have heard in) Davao del Norte has something to do with Salugpungan schools, nireklamo na (a proper complain was filled)," he said.
He also said that the Cafgu involved in the shooting is also under investigation.
"definitely madidisiplina kung mapapatunayan na siya ang nagkasala (he will be disciplined if proven guilty)," he said.
Guerrero also said the security situation of the Eastern Mindanao and Davao City is generally peaceful but admitted security threats still do exist.
"Yung possibilidad andun, even yung most advanced cities, yung Paris, London nga ay nakaka-experience sila ng pag-atake ng mga terrorista (The possibility is there, even the most advanced cities, like Paris and London experience terrorism),” Guerrero said.
Guerrero, meanwhile, assured the public government agencies are helping each other to solve issues on national security. (KVC)