Sen. de Lima slams PNP chief for supporting martial law in Sulu

Opposition Senator Leila de Lima criticized Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa for supporting the declaration of martial law in Sulu.

De Lima argued that instead of martial law, the PNP should be held accountable for the recent bombings, citing their alleged complicity.

She questioned why martial law was being considered when police in Jolo were responsible for killing military operatives pursuing the bombers.

The Senator suggested that the PNP should focus on ending alleged collusion between police and terrorists.

Gamboa had previously backed a martial law proposal for Sulu following the August 24 bombings that resulted in 15 deaths and numerous injuries.

Prior to the bombings, the military's Western Mindanao Command chief indicated a possible familial connection between the police involved in a prior fatal shooting incident and the suicide bombers.