ncoming Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald ''Bato'' Dela Rosa on Tuesday said he supports the idea of declaring martial law in Mindanao to address the long-standing problems of insurgency and terrorism in the region.
''Kung yan ang makakalutas ng problema, eh 'di mas magandang gawin yan,'' Dela Rosa told reporters at Camp Crame.
Dela Rosa was asked about how to solve violence in Mindanao in the wake of the beheading of another Canadian by the bandit group Abu Sayyaf.
The Philippines confirmed on Tuesday the execution of a Canadian who had been held hostage by the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Islamist militant group on a remote southern island with three other people since September 2015.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in Toronto on Monday that it appeared the second execution of a Canadian hostage by Abu Sayyaf in recent months had taken place. That was later confirmed in Manila.
"We strongly condemn the brutal and senseless murder of Mr. Robert Hall, a Canadian national, after being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu for the past nine months," outgoing President Benigno Aquino said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa warned politicians involved in illegal activities, vowing that the PNP under his leadership would treat them as regular criminals.
Dela Rosa made the statement amid reports that local and national politicians are allegedly acting as protectors or operators of illegal activities.
''Kung mayor ka, nanalo ka dahil sa pera mo sa droga, bumaba ka na, huhulihin ka namin," Dela Rosa said.
The incoming PNP chief said, they will soon come up with a list of politicians with ties to illegal activities.
Dela Rosa earlier said the PNP will hit the ground running in its anti-crime campaign once he assumes office on July 1.
Dela Rosa also warned corrupt elements within the PNP that their days are numbered.
These include the three generals President-elect Rodrigo Duterte mentioned as being protectors of illegal drugs.
"Mag-uusap kami (ng mga generals) at kung ano mapagusapan namin, maayos, hindi maayos, matapang, sa amin na lang yun. Kapag may ebidensya, kasuhan natin sila. But I will not humiliate them," Dela Rosa said. -
