PNP spokesperson affirms Martial Law is not necessary
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The first batch of the expected 300 Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) deployed to Negros Oriental have arrived. PNP spokesperson, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, said the first batch is composed of between 60 to 80 members.
He said the PNP maintains its stance that placing the said province under Martial Law is not necessary.
“On the part of the PNP, we continue our enforcement of the law as well as maintenance of peace and order,” Banac said. “For now, everything is going back to normal, including the situation in Negros Oriental.”
He noted, input from local officials will be put into consideration on the matter.
“Our police officers continue to secure the area but assessment [by] local executives may say otherwise,” the law enforcement official noted. “The assessment [by] political leaders there might be different.”
“For now, we cannot say or recommend the declaration of Martial Law because we know that we are in control of the situation,” he added. “We are just basing everything on our data and, based on this, we are in control of the situation.”
Banac also pointed out, PNP Director-General Oscar Albayalde is currently awaiting a report from the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, which conducted an investigation into the killings./DGB, WDJ