BACOLOD City – Abang Lingkod Partylist representative Stephen Paduano does not believe that the deployment of additional military and police forces to Negros Occidental is a “prelude to martial law.”
“Martial will not be implemented unless otherwise may concurrence with Congress, so malabo ‘yan,” said Paduano.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered the deployment of more soldiers and police to the Bicol Region and the provinces of Samar, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental to “suppress lawless violence and acts of terror.”
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Memorandum Order No. 32 upon the order of President Rodrigo Duterte on Nov. 22.
Paduano said it is the duty of the President as Commander-in-Chief to deploy security forces to different parts of the country, if the situation calls for it.
The solon shares that he’s heard murmurs that the deployment may lead to widespread human rights violation in Negros Island, but dismissed the rumors as hearsay.
“Let’s wait and let’s be vigilant because if there will be human rights violations, and as long as there is basis , we condemn it,” concluded the congressman./PN
