MANILA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Incoming Philippines' Armed Forces (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said on Thursday that he is open to the declaration of Martial Law not only in Sulu, but also in Basilan, to solve the Abu Sayyaf problem there.
Visaya, the outgoing commander of the AFP's Southern Luzon Command, said the military will conduct a study on the imposition of Martial Law in these areas after he assumes the military leadership on July 1.
"As far as I'm concerned, that is an option ... We will study the declaration of Martial Law in Jolo and Basilan because there appears to be a failure of governance (in these areas). Perhaps, that is one option that can be undertaken to establish order in Jolo and Basilan," said Visaya.
"We have seen the Abu Sayyaf carry out kidnappings for the past months and brought their victims to Jolo. Martial Law can be an answer to prevent the Abu Sayyaf from continuing their kidnapping activities," said Visaya.
A senior military official on Wednesday said there is a need to declare Martial Law in Sulu to solve the Abu Sayyaf problem. He said a military rule will also help in going after local government officials supporting the Abu Sayyaf.
The U.S. and the Philippines have both listed the Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist organization for carrying out kidnappings, beheadings and bombings.
