Ping's appointment means martial law to Yolanda areas, group says

MANILA, Philippines - Fisherfolk group Pamalakaya on Monday said the appointment of former Senator Panfilo Lacson to head the rehabilitation effort in provinces devastated by supertyphoon Yolanda is like putting the areas in a police state.

"Let the dark and gory years of martial law remind all of us that the appointment of Lacson to the post is tantamount to placing Yolanda devastated areas to police state," Pamalakay vice chairperson Salvador France said.

France issued the warning as Lacson, also a former Philippine National Police chief, on Sunday confirmed his appointment as rehab czar of Malacañang. Palace officials have yet to confirm the news.

"A forthcoming imposition of Martial Law in Eastern Visayas with super cop Panfilo Lacson at the helm of the rehabilitation program of the state? This is not rehabilitation, this is authoritarian rule in the making," France said.

"The designation of Lacson, a well known implementor of Martial Law is a direct affront to the people of Eastern Visayas and to the collective interest of the people," he added.

As the chief of rehabilitation efforts, Lacson's appointment will make him the officer-in-charge of the P 41-billion rehabilitation and construction of Yolanda-stricken communities in Eastern Visayas.