House leaders rally extension of martial law in Mindanao
By AJ Siytangco
Published Oct 23, 2018 04:53 pm
By Charissa Luci-Atienza
Leaders of the House of Representatives rallied behind on Tuesday the possible extension of martial law in Mindanao, even as they cited the need for military and national security officials to apprise Congress of the real situation on the ground.
Deputy Speaker and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers expressed support to extend martial law beyond December 31, 2018, to ensure peace and security in the region.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
”I support the possible martial law extension because, the threat of violence and terrorism has doubled if not threefold due to forthcoming 2019 elections,” Castro said in an interview.
For his part, Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said: “I will support the extension (of martial law) if only to maintain peace in the island.”
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, vice chairman of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, also expressed readiness to support calls to prolong President Duterte’s martial law declaration. Martial law was first declared in Mindanao on May 23, 2017 following the Marawi siege.
He said Congress should not take for granted the clamor of various groups to extend military rule for the third time in Mindanao.
“We should give more weight to the inputs of the people living in Mindanao in considering a request for the extension of martial law on the island. Mindanaoans are the ones experiencing what it's like to live under martial law for a year-and-a-half now, so they would have a better grasp of what is an acceptable option for them for continued peace and security,” Villafuerte said.
Isabela Rep. Rodito Albano said it is the people of Mindanao who should have the final word on the possible martial law extension.
“I’m not living in Mindanao so let the people of Mindanao decide what is best for them,” he said.
For their part, Anak Mindanao (AMIN) partylist Rep. Makmod Mending Jr., and and Oriental Mindoro Rep. Paulino Salvador “Doy” Leachon, chairman of the House Committee on Justice, said Congress should be briefed on the current situation on the ground to determine if there is a need to extend martial law in Mindanao.
“My decision to support or not will depend on the threat assessment of DND/AFP, maybe it's time to call for a security briefing from them as well as an update on the implementation of the Martial Law,” Mending said.
Leachon also expressed his willingness to rally behind the possible extension.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
”I support the possible martial law extension because, the threat of violence and terrorism has doubled if not threefold due to forthcoming 2019 elections,” Castro said in an interview.
For his part, Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said: “I will support the extension (of martial law) if only to maintain peace in the island.”
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, vice chairman of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, also expressed readiness to support calls to prolong President Duterte’s martial law declaration. Martial law was first declared in Mindanao on May 23, 2017 following the Marawi siege.
He said Congress should not take for granted the clamor of various groups to extend military rule for the third time in Mindanao.
“We should give more weight to the inputs of the people living in Mindanao in considering a request for the extension of martial law on the island. Mindanaoans are the ones experiencing what it's like to live under martial law for a year-and-a-half now, so they would have a better grasp of what is an acceptable option for them for continued peace and security,” Villafuerte said.
Isabela Rep. Rodito Albano said it is the people of Mindanao who should have the final word on the possible martial law extension.
“I’m not living in Mindanao so let the people of Mindanao decide what is best for them,” he said.
For their part, Anak Mindanao (AMIN) partylist Rep. Makmod Mending Jr., and and Oriental Mindoro Rep. Paulino Salvador “Doy” Leachon, chairman of the House Committee on Justice, said Congress should be briefed on the current situation on the ground to determine if there is a need to extend martial law in Mindanao.
“My decision to support or not will depend on the threat assessment of DND/AFP, maybe it's time to call for a security briefing from them as well as an update on the implementation of the Martial Law,” Mending said.
Leachon also expressed his willingness to rally behind the possible extension.