Westmincom awaits guidance on implementation of martial law
Newly installed Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., gestures to Armed Forces chief of staff General Eduardo Año and his predecessor Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz during the turnover of command rites Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017 inside the military camp in Zamboanga City. Philstar.com/Roel Pareño, File photo
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said Wednesday it has yet to receive a written guidance on how to implement martial law in the area of operations where all threat groups are present, including the ISIS-backed Maute group which clashed with government troops on Tuesday.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, said the declaration would boost their campaign against terrorist groups.
“We are yet to get a written guidance as to how the declaration will translate to our operations on the ground, especially here at Western Mindanao, where all threat groups are present,” according to Galvez.
Galvez assured the public that they would use the current mandate in fighting terrorism while waiting for clear orders on the implementation of martial law.
“And we will enforce our mandate in accordance with the law and with respect to human rights and the International Humanitarian Law,” Galvez said.
President Rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile, cut short his official visit to Russia to deal with the crisis in Marawi City. He is expected to arrive on Wednesday afternoon.
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