The entire southern Philippines remains under a “state of emergency on account of lawless violence” following the lifting of a 957-day martial law in the area, the military said Thursday.
Under the state of emergency mandated by President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamation 55, security procedures would be in effect to counter “terrorist violence” in Mindanao even as checkpoints and patrols are reduced, said military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo.
“Kung makikita po ng ating mga kalaban na tayo ay ika nga magiging relaxed na in terms of security, baka makasingit na naman po sila,” he said in an interview with DZMM.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana welcomed this development, saying the objectives of the martial law declaration in the entire island of Mindanao have been achieved.
Lorenzana sees no need to extend the martial rule, which expired on Dec. 31, 2019, but soldiers will remain in the region “to sustain peace and stability.”
The martial law in Mindanao has been in effect for two years and seven months or 953 days.
“Upon the recommendation of the security sector, the President has decided to allow martial law to lapse and not ask for another extension anymore,” Lorenzana said in a statement.
“The security sector believes that the objective of the martial law has been achieved. The rebellion in Marawi, Lanao del Sur and other areas in Mindanao have been effectively stopped,” he added.
“They are confident that they can maintain the current peace and order in Mindanao and that an attack similar in scale to Marawi cannot be waged by the remnants of the Mautes or by any other terrorist groups in the future,” he said.
President Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the Islamic State-linked Maute Group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
It has since been in effect after Congress voted to approve its extension thrice – from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2017; from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018; and from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2019.
Curfews and checkpoints, however, may still be implemented in Mindanao even with expiration of martial law, Bangsamoro Transition Authority member Zia Alonto Adiong said.
“The Palace and the security forces, the DILG, police and the military did not ask for an extension of martial law before Congress, and the implication of that is by law, martial law [in Mindanao] will expire by midnight today,” Adiong said.
“But Proclamation 55, issued after the September 2016 due to a bombing incident in Davao City, is still in effect,” he added, pertaining to Duterte’s declaration of a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao before.
Adiong, however, said that the lifting of martial law in Mindanao was significant since it meant that the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus or warrantless arrests of suspected rebels and terrorists would no longer be allowed.
“The suspension of the writ of habeas corpus cannot be observed anymore. The perception on Mindanao… There has really been a sacrifice and it had an impact on the economy of the region,” Adiong said.
“Of course, if you have a business, you would not invest in an area without a stable peace and order situation,” he added. “They cannot simply put money in an area where there will be a change of rules in the middle of the ballgame.”(With ABS-CBN News/PN)