Saying that his constituents want martial law to continue, the chairman of the House Committee on Mindanao Affairs yesterday aired his opposition to moves to put an end to martial law in certain parts of Mindanao, particularly his province.
Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo said an extension of martial law in Lanao del Norte will address the serious concerns of his constituents over the security threat in the province.
In fact, the Peace and Order Council of Tubod has unanimously passed a resolution favoring martial law extension. The security assessment reports aired by the Armed Forces of the Philippines served as one of the bases for such concern, said Dimaporo.
Last week, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told the media that he is no longer inclined to ask Congress to further extend martial rule in Midnanao.
Already extended twice, martial law in Mindanao started when Maute terrorists laid siege to Marawi City in 2017.
Upon the recommendation of the Duterte government, Congress affirmed the declaration of martial law first made by Duterte in May 2017. By the end of the year and the following year, Congress backed government appeals to extend the military regime.
Lorenzana said that instead of extending the life of martial law to another year, he would like Congress to amend the Human Security Act and make it a more potent anti-terrorism law.
Aside from the AFP security assessment, Dimaporo said the presence of “peace-inclined” armed groups was mentioned in the report, referring to the 1,825 combatants and personnel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front.
“There’s a sense of uncertainty as to how to recalibrate our security forces should martial law be lifted,” Dimaporo said, as Malacañang has yet to decide on the extension of martial law.
He added that the extension of martial law is necessary while an exit plan is being prepared for Mindanao’s transition out of martial law. (Ben Rosario)
In passing a resolution urging government to place Lanao del Norte under martial law, the Peace and Order Council of Tubod cited military rule as a major factor to the zero incidence report as indicated in the AFP’s security assessment briefings.
“The support for martial law in Lanao del Norte is an affirmation of our faith in the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Dimaporo said.
The young administration lawmaker said Duterte’s brand of martial law is welcome in the province as it will ensure better peace and order situation in Lenao del Norte. (Ben R. Rosario)
