MANILA, Philippines - Basilan Catholic Bishop Martin Jumoad on Tuesday withdrew his appeal for the declaration of martial law in the province.

In an interview, Jumoad said he changed his mind about the appeal after talking to President Arroyo on the phone last Friday. He said the President told him that she sees no reason to put Basilan under martial law despite the presence of Qaeda-linked extremists in the province.

Jumoad said the President will be sending more government troops to the province instead.

The Catholic bishop said his appeal was more of a desperate call to get the attention of the national government. He also opposed the idea of local residents arming themselves for protection since the proliferation of firearms may lead to more tension and violence.

Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales said he also talked to the bishop last week and convinced him that the declaration of martial law is not the solution to Basilan's problems.

“I told him that martial law is something that we would be using sparingly. It's a very serious tool of government that, as much as possible, we should not be using too often and if we can, avoid it at all,” he said.

He said Jumoad is now more amenable to the declaration of a state of emergency instead so that government could pursue kidnap-for-ransom groups in the region.
The defense chief said he does not support the declaration of martial law in the future until the public is educated on the modern military rule as against the measure that was declared by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

“To me, if possible on my end, I want to avoid martial law. It seems that the people have a different understanding of martial law. They always remember the martial law that was experienced during the time of the dictatorship,” he said.

The government imposed martial law last Dec. 4 in Maguindanao on the recommendation of the  Armed Forces leadership, which cited a looming rebellion by followers of the Ampatuan clan linked to the November 23 massacre of 57 civilians, including about 30 mediamen. 

The measure was lifted last Saturday due to improved condition in the province, particularly the return of the local government and local judicial systems.