Leni: Trust our AFP on martial law

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Leni Robredo called on Filipinos yesterday to cooperate and support the military and the government in resolving the crisis in Mindanao.

Robredo refused to directly answer questions on President Duterte’s declaration of martial law in the south after hostilities broke out in Marawi City.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared the situation under control. Mindanao is also still under a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence since September last year, following a bombing in a Davao City night market that killed 14 people and injured many others.

Duterte cut short his trip to Russia after declaring martial law while still in Moscow. Clashes between government troops and the Maute group, along with the Abu Sayyaf, resulted in casualties, injuries and damage to properties.

“This is not an ordinary fight, we are fighting terrorists,” Robredo told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo after meeting with military officials led by deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Salvador Melchor Mison Jr.

“For me, at this time, we should unite. Let us trust our soldiers, let us trust our AFP that the goal is to stop terrorism,” Robredo said, expressing confidence that the military would be able to resolve the crisis soon.

“This is the time that we protect the security of our country together. This is not the time to be divided,” she said.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and the president of the League of Cities of the Philippines expressed support for Duterte’s move, while the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged the government to uphold human rights of Filipinos amid criticisms that the martial law declaration was a knee-jerk reaction.

The National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) called on Duterte to recall the martial law declaration, saying it was unnecessary and that the President’s warning that he would be harsh was dangerous.

Robredo appealed to Filipinos to remain calm and urged them to pray for the soldiers and civilians caught in the crossfire, as well as to help in relief efforts.

“We expect that this incident will soon end,” the Vice President said.

“In the wake of this conflict, help and support will be urgently needed for those affected. I have instructed my office to begin relief operations for those in need. We call on all sectors of society who can extend assistance to respond as soon as possible,” she said.

Robredo said they had been in contact with the leadership of the AFP “and they have assured us that they are in control and that the conflict will be suppressed at the soonest possible time.”

The Vice President said she was also assured by the AFP leadership that they would protect human rights despite the martial law imposition.

She called on the public to be vigilant but also responsible, especially in posting information on social media so as not to cause alarm.

Pro, anti sentiments aired

In a statement by its board of directors led by national president Rosario Setias-Reyes, the IBP said the martial law proclamation is within the powers of the President under the 1987 Constitution and appears to have valid basis.

The IBP noted the hostilities in Marawi City could spread to other parts of Mindanao and other terrorist groups could take advantage of the situation.

The IBP assured the people there are safeguards in the Constitution against martial law abuses, such as diminution of their rights.

It added “civil and judicial authorities will continue to function except in places where the continuation of such functions has been rendered difficult.”

As proof of this, the IBP cited the order of Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno yesterday for courts in Mindanao to remain open despite martial law.

“The IBP supports all legal means to end this unrest in Mindanao and encourages the achievement of peace through lawful means,” the statement stressed.

Still, the IBP called on the AFP and the government “to wield the power with caution and regard for the rule of law” as it vowed to be vigilant in defending the Constitution.

Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, said he was supporting the martial law declaration as a “measure to destroy” all terrorist groups once and for all, noting that the Abu Sayyaf had also operated in Luzon and the Visayas.

Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad also expressed strong support for the move, saying there was peace and order in Mindanao when the state of lawlessness was declared in 2001 during the Arroyo administration.

But Jumoad said to place Mindanao under martial law for 60 days seemed too long.

CHR chairman Chito Gascon told The STAR the “President as commander-in-chief has vast powers to call out the Armed Forces to suppress rebellion and lawless violence.”

“The courts and legislative bodies can serve to determine if the prerogative was appropriately exercised. Human rights should be upheld at all times and CHR will continue to monitor,” he added.

In a separate statement, CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said they are monitoring the situation in Marawi City through the regional human rights commission of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We are with the nation in prayer for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Marawi as well as our security forces,” she said.

“We are hopeful that the incident is contained, perpetrators are brought to justice and violence does not spread further,” added De Guia.

Knee-jerk reaction

Meanwhile, the NUPL said the declaration of martial law should be an option of last resort and should be strictly within the bounds, requirements and limitations of the Constitution.

NUPL secretary-general Ephraim Cortez said “placing the entire Mindanao under martial law will open the flood gates for unbridled human rights violations and abuses.”

“In the end, it is the civilian population who will be greatly affected. It gives blanket power and authority to conduct military crackdowns and operations that would result in the further diminution of the people’s constitutional rights,” he added.

The group said the recent incidents in Mindanao do not justify the declaration of martial law and that it is not an appropriate solution to the conflict.  – With Edu Punay, Janvic Mateo, Ding Cervantes, Roel Pareño