Majority of Filipinos back martial law on Mindanao

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (AA) - Fifty-seven percent of the Philippine population supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao following the attack of the Daesh-linked Maute group in Marawi, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released Tuesday.

The majority of the Filipinos believe Duterte was right to declare martial law on the entire island, however, they are opposed to the expansion of military rule to the rest of the country, the survey conducted June 23-26 showed.

The martial law imposed May 23 is set to expire July 22.

After a two-hour briefing with senators Tuesday, police chief Ronald Dela Rosa told reporters he could not say when clashes in Marawi, now on its 51st day, will end.

Dela Rosa urged lawmakers to extend the military rule for a “maximum period possible”.

The police chief also said there are intelligence reports of terror plots targeting other provinces in Mindanao where the terrorists intend to start a “Marawi-style uprising” not just by the Maute group but also by other Daesh-linked militants such as Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Abu Sayyaf.

Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana, in a statement Tuesday said declaration of the martial law must be resorted to only in national security circumstances.

Lorenzana hinted he favored an extension of the military rule but assured that there would be no abuses of power.

"Our Constitution has prescribed limitations precisely to prevent its being abused as it has implications to the country's peace and order, economy, trade, tourism, and our people's way of life," Lorenzana was quoted by GMA news.

"The Filipino people can rest assured, however, that if martial law is extended, they can continue to trust their defense and security establishments since every decision we make and operation we undertake is anchored on the rule of law and respect for human rights. They can trust their Armed Forces to protect them and advance the people's best interest," he added.

Meanwhile, Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra told Radyo Inquirer he leaves it to the perogative of Duterte to decide whether the situation continues to call for an extension of martial law.

Gandamra said his city did not oppose the declaration because it was the best move to address the lawlessness caused by the militants.

Gandamra added that he would continue to support it as long as there would be no violation of human rights.