MANILA, Philippines — A month after President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law, Malacañang claimed that the goal of the military rule has been attained because security forces have foiled an attempt by the a group aligned with the so-called Islamic State to establish a province in Marawi.
Officials, however, still could not say when the president would lift the declaration, which some sectors fear, would embolden the military to commit human rights abuses and to suppress civil liberties.
Ernesto Abella, the presidential spokesperson, said that the government’s declaration of martial rule in Mindanao, an island of 22 million, enabled the prevention of the establishment of a wilayah or province of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS.
Abella, however, did not directly answer if the government would revoke or extend military rule once it reached its two-month effectively period next month, saying the decision would depend on military advice.
“We don’t go by ratings, but we do say we have actually prevented the establishment of wilayah. We have already started to work on agreements with neighboring nations. The main goal of preventing it actually has already been hugely successful,” the presidential spokesperson said.
"We have prevented the establishment of this wilayat. And we have now entered into agreements and also with the neighboring countries so that this will not recur," he added.
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Critics question why the entire island was covered by the proclamation but officials claimed such move is necessary to prevent a spillover of the conflict.
Despite the rosy assessment of the situation one month after the declaration of martial law, security personnel still struggle to rid Marawi City of Islamist fighters strategically holed up in a small area in the town.
Around 369 people have been killed a month since the clashes started after a botched attempt by the military to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, a subleader of the Abu Sayyaf and the appointed emir of ISIS in the region.
The military encountered strong resistance from the militants which rapidly spiraled into the crisis that has consumed the city and displaced most of its residents.
Some evacuees have already died in temporary accommodations set up to house people fleeing the violence.
Aside from the prevention of the establishment of an ISIS province, Abella also cited the agreements with neighboring countries that would see joint patrols and anti-terror operations.
Southeast Asian countries have expressed alarm over the attempt at establishing an ISIS foothold in Mindanao. If the militants succeed, the region already traumatized by past terror attacks could become the next theater of war against extremism as most of its adherents in the Middle East are on retreat and looking for safe havens.
When asked if the government would ask for an extension of the army rule on the island, Abella said that it would depend on the recommendations of the security establishment.
“That will depend on the recommendations of the secretary of national defense and of the Armed Forces,” he said as he refused to give a rating on the government’s performance.
Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court calling for the revocation of Duterte’s martial law declaration. A ruling is expected soon, and the president has said that he will abide by the court’s decision.
No abuses, government claims
Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command deputy chief Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said his unit has not received reports of human rights violations involving soldiers enforcing martial law.
"A month after the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, Eastern Mindanao Command has been steadfast in carrying out its mandate of securing and shielding the area from terrorists attacks following the dictum and principles of necessity, proportionality, and strict adherence to the rule of law and human rights," Gapay said.
Abella chided critics who claim that the martial law declaration has resulted in abuses like forcible evacuation, indiscriminate bombardment and destruction of properties.
"That is a clear and present danger. You know, what don’t you get about that? You know, I think it is about time that we really just grew up and became more mature, and became more politically more sophisticated and actually, aside from that, we’re really just more concerned and supportive of one another," he said.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines–Lanao del Sur Chapter recently condemned alleged illegal search and seizure operations by security forces in Marawi City following reported human rights abuses, privacy invasion and ransacking in residential and commercial establishments.
Martial law extension backed
Gapay claimed that the military has prevented a spillover of terrorism in other parts of Mindanao because of aggressive security operations, tightened security measures and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and the public.
"We are continuously engaging different organizations and sectors to explain our efforts in the implementation of martial law, to continuously assess and innovate our measures and activities that will enhance its implementation," he added.
Mindanao Development Authority chairman Datu Abdul Khayr Alonto said he is in favor of extending martial law if necessary. The Constitution allows the executive branch to ask Congress to extend martial law to address security threats.
"If this (crisis) will not be resolved, even the extension, if it will be the recommendation of our Executive people though our martial law administrator…and if they feel that there is a need to extend martial law, then we are asking for it," Alonto said.
"It must be extended so that we can solve this problem, it will not happen in your city," he added.
Alonto said the Marawi tragedy should propel everyone to look into the merits of federalism.
"It should now be obvious to all, including government and the people of this country, that the failure to address the Bangsamoro Question has invited the invasion of foreign Daesh extremism such as ISIS, which feeds on the frustration of the Bangsamoro people towards failed peace processes," he said.
A total of 280 Maute members, 69 government troopers and 26 civilians have died since fighting erupted last May 23.
Peace Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso said rescuers recently recovered 277 trapped civilians in the battle zone including wounded children, women and the elderly.