No need for nationwide martial law, says Osmeña

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña sees no justification in expanding martial law in the Visayas. This, after President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement of possibly declaring a military rule in the whole country.

Osmeña, in a press conference yesterday, said that he likes to get a chance to talk to the President before the latter decides to declare martial law nationwide.

“I hope he will consult the local officials here, which he did not do in Mindanao. It’s okay he did not consult the local officials there because he is already from there. But I’m from here and there are those people like me,” the mayor said.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao last Tuesday night after government troops and members of the Maute group I hope he will consult the local officials here, which he did not do in Mindanao. It’s okay he did not consult the local officials there because he is already from there. But I’m from here and there are those people like me.

TOMAS OSMEÑA

clashed in Marawi City.

It’s effective for 60 days, as stipulated in the Constitution.

Osmeña, though, said there’s no urgency to place Visayas under martial law.

He said its almost impossible for terrorists to penetrate Cebu City, especially if they come in groups. But he still encouraged the public to be vigilant and to immediately coordinate with authorities if they notice suspicious persons in their neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Osmeña said he sees no need to send forces or to accept evacuees from Marawi City.

But in efforts to ensure security, Osmeña wants the City Council to pass an ordinance that will allow policemen to carry firearms inside malls. /