Will there be martial law 2?

According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana last Sept. 15 the declaration of a nationwide martial law is a remote possibility. The reaction was just after Duterte said he would be forced to declare a nationwide martial law if the communist rebels bring their armed struggle to the streets.

“The President has already said that. ‘If the left will try to have a massive protest, burn things in the streets, they will disrupt the country, then I might.’” Secretary Lorenzana noted.

“‘But I don’t think there is a possibility that the left will be able to conduct a massive demonstration across the country, disrupting the civil government or the lives of the people, I don’t think that will happen,” he said.

I assume that President Duterte is just trying to test the CPP-NDFP-NPA if they will retaliate and we believe that they will in the coming weeks just to turn the tables against the government. Again, the possibility of declaring martial law is remote as Sec. Lorenzana expressed.

Also, let us be cautious of what the President has said. If the left will try to have a massive protest, burn roads, disrupt the country, then he might. This is a categorical statement from the President himself but it does not necessarily mean that martial law will be implemented nationwide. Besides this will be subject to the check and balance power of the legislative and judicial branches of the government.

AFP and PNP must coordinate with each other to avoid tension between government forces and the militants on Sept. 21. Various groups have announced mass protests to condemn the brutal war on drugs, alleged police abuses and human rights violations, and the President’s plan to declare a nationwide martial law.

Lastly, I guess this day of protest is for the benefit of the entire nation. But then again, let us wait what Sept. 21 may bring. ­— Jumel G. Estrañero, Silang, Cavite, [email protected]