(Eagle News)–President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, Aug. 1, vowed to do “something drastic” to address the recent spate of killings in Negros Oriental.
In a speech for the 28th anniversary of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Duterte said he had yet to talk to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. though.
The three are former military men who have had experience in fighting the insurgency.
“It will not sit well with everybody, maybe including you, but it is needed,” Duterte said, vowing to elaborate the soonest time possible.
Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Duterte would impose martial law in the province but only if the military and the local government units in Negros Oriental recommended the same.
Among those killed in the province since June were four policemen, a lawyer, a rebel returnee, and a school principal.
The Philippine National Police has relieved the provincial police director as a result.
