MANILA – Opposition Sen. Franklin Drilon urged the government to lift the declaration of martial law in the entire island of Mindanao as suggestions to another extension surfaced.
Drilon on Thursday said it was time to lift martial law since it has been too long since Mindanao has been placed in the situation.
“Is martial law now the new norm in Mindanao?” Drilon asked. “We cannot tolerate an ‘unli’ martial law. The continued placing of Mindanao under martial law would set a dangerous precedent, not to mention its economic and social implications.”
“There is no perpetual martial law. There must be an end to this. As I said before, martial law is like an antibiotic, and antibiotic, when used excessively, becomes ineffective,” he added.
Drilon’s remark came after National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. recommended for an extension of martial law in the island for at least another year earlier this week.
According to Drilon, the framers of the Constitution understood that prolonged martial law can be dangerous, hence the 60-day limit and a regular review by the Congress which he said are clearly provided in the Constitution.
“There is nothing that shows actual rebellion and armed uprising in Mindanao to justify the extension,” Drilon said. “The government should study the situation in Mindanao and consider the dangerous mindset of the continued declaration of martial law in Mindanao may give rise to.”
Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law on May 23, 2017, the same day the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-inspired Maute terrorist group began its siege on Marawi City.
The Congress on Dec. 2018 granted Duterte’s request to extend martial law until Dec. 31, 2019 due to the presence of local terrorist and due to the upcoming midterm elections.
According to the 1987 Constitution, the President is allowed to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of the habeas corpus “in case of invasion or rebellion (or) when the public safety requires it” for a period of 60 days./PN