Lacson: The situation has already ‘calmed down’
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said he hopes President Rodrigo Duterte does not declare Martial Law over Negros, pointing out, “The use of the emergency powers is only an option for the president in order to ensure the peace and stability of the region.”
The situation in Negros Oriental has already calmed down.
Meanwhile, during a visit to Zarraga, Iloilo, Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said there is no need to declare Martial Law in Negros. He added, it can only be declared if the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the local government make the recommendation.
Earlier, PNP Director-General Oscar Albayalde gave his assurance that Duterte will not declare Martial Law on the island and instead ordered the deployment of 300 members of the PNP Special Action Forces.
For the AFP, they are considering making a recommendation and are currently consulting the province’s local chief executives./DGB, WDJ