ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Acting Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Norberto Gonzales Jr. has assured the Basilan residents here that there will be no martial rule in the province despite the claim of some sectors that the peace and order in the area is fast deteriorating.

Gonzales and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Victor Ibrado issued the assurance after a meeting last Sunday with the military field military commanders assigned in the province of Basilan.

“I went to see the situation in Basilan last Sunday, and I can tell you there will be no martial law in Basilan. We don’t need that yet in Basilan,” Gonzales explained.

Earlier, Basilan Catholic Bishop Martin Jumoad wants martial rule to be imposed in Basilan to restore peace and order in the entire province.

Jumoad has recently appealed to President Arroyo to consider imposing martial law or even a state of emergency in the province of Basilan.

The appeal of Bishop Jumoad was made a day after suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) beheaded Marquez Singson, one of the three kidnap victims it has in custody.

The ASG also recently kidnapped Dr. Orlando Fajardo, vice president of the Basilan State College, at his residence in Sumagdang on December 10.