By: Ellalyn B. de Vera and Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
Majority of Filipinos favor the declaration of martial law in Min-danao last May 23, a Social Weather Stations survey has found out.
The nationwide survey conducted from June 23 to 26 with 1,200 respondents found out that six out of 10 or 57 percent agreed that President Duterte was right in declaring martial law in Mindanao following the Marawi City siege.
However, 29 percent said it should have been declared only in Marawi and the rest of Lanao del Sur and 11 percent said it should have been declared only in Marawi, the rest of Lanao del Sur, and nearby provinces.
Sixty-four percent of respondents from Mindanao backed the declaration, followed by Metro Manila (58 percent), Visayas (57 percent), and the rest of Luzon (53 percent).
Extension of martial law to the Visayas and Luzon, which Duterte was considering if terror activities become widespread, was rejected.
Sixty-three percent of respondents in the Visayas disagreed while 23 percent agreed while 13 percent were undecided.
In Luzon, 67 percent of the respondents opposed, 20 percent agreed, while 13 percent were undecided.
Malacañang said the survey result showed that Filipinos saw the need for martial law to be declared in Mindanao.
“The positive public response indicates that they believe the factual and legal basis of the proclamation of martial law for Mindanao, which includes the Maute Group’s attempt to remove allegiance from the government and to deprive the Chief Executive of his powers to enforce the laws and maintain public order and safety,” Abella said.
“Hence, the need for the call of martial law, in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, as provided by the Constitution,” he added.