By Butch Fernandez & Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
THE House of Representatives is expected to pass the extension of martial law and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao until December 2019 in a joint session this Wednesday, according to Minority Leader Danilo E. Suarez of Quezon.
Suarez said the approval “is just a matter of formality” as the leadership of the House has already expressed support for the extension of martial law in the southern part of the country.
“We’ve seen no shooting, but it does not mean that Mindanao is safe from the recurrence of terrorism similar to the Marawi crisis. The police and military analyze and understand the situation and let’s give that [martial-law extension] option to them. I urge my colleagues to adhere to their request,” said Suarez, who also supports the extension.
Earlier, Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and House Majority Floor Leader and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando G. Andaya Jr. assured President Duterte that the House of Representatives would grant his request.
Arroyo said the lower chamber is just awaiting the formal request of President Duterte. “If it comes to our chamber, I will recommend that we pass it.”
“If the President will ask for it, then chances are it shall be given,” Andaya said. “The concurrence will be expedited if the military and the police will renew their commitment to respect the constitutional rights of every individual in the territory covered by the declaration,” he added.
Andaya said the inputs and views of the congressmen from Mindanao, who represent the people directly affected, will carry much weight during the deliberations.
President Duterte first ordered martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017, after local terrorists laid siege on Marawi City. He asked for a five-month extension that lasted until December 31, 2017 after the 60-day declaration lapsed in July. A second extension was granted by Congress, continuing the period of martial until December 31, 2018.
‘Justify extension’
President Duterte has to justify his request to extend martial law in Mindanao by one more year, Senator Richard Gordon said on Sunday, while conceding that the threats to security in the South remain apparent.
“I always give the benefit of
the doubt,” Gordon said even as the senator asserted that lawmakers need to be told why it has to
be extended.
In a radio interview, the senator acknowledged there are still remnants of “recalcitrant elements” that need to be neutralized.
This even as the senator also acknowledged that “we have yet to hear complaints from residents” affected by President Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao.
“We have seen what happened to Marawi…many people died and properties damaged,” Gordon said, adding: “I want to hear evidence of imminent threat.”
Under the Constitution, martial law can be declared to enable government forces to effectively neutralize rebellion or insurrection.
Still, Gordon cautioned that government troops must “exercise due diligence and ensure that peace is restored.”
The senator suggested it is “important (for the troops) to stay active even as the government attends to the social aspect” of the problem.