MANILA – Mindanao should remain under a state of emergency even after military rule was lifted at the turn of the year because of the persisting communist insurgency problem, according to Malacañang.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation No. 55 or the State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao will still be observed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.
“This is to ensure the maintenance of law and order in all other parts of the country,” Panelo stressed, saying there are still remaining communist insurgents to reckon with, as well as there is yet a terrorist organization resurrecting to be crushed.
Panelo urged the Filipinos for “usual cooperation” over the state of emergency even as he assured the public that the government will not allow any abuse of their civil and political rights while Proclamation No. 55 is in effect.
“The calling out power of the President was unique in that it can be used independently without the participation of Congress and its actual use cannot be subjected to judicial review unless constitutional boundaries are violated,” Panelo said.
“Therefore, as long as the President deems it necessary to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion, or rebellion (such as at present times), then he is lawfully authorized to resort to this calling out power,” he added.
President Duterte declared a state of national emergency in September 2016 after a bomb attack occurred in his hometown of Davao City./PN
