57% of Pinoys approve of martial law in Mindanao – SWS

MANILA, Philippines - A majority of Filipinos are in favor of martial law in Mindanao, but more than six out of 10 of them oppose the expansion of martial law to the Visayas and Luzon, the latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) shows.

The survey, taken from June 23 to 26, found that 57 percent of adult Filipinos believe that “it was the right decision,” 29 percent said it should have been declared only in Marawi City and the province of Lanao del Sur, while 11 percent said it should have been declared only in Marawi, Lanao del Sur and nearby provinces.

Those who said President Duterte was right in declaring martial law in the whole of Mindanao was highest in Mindanao at 64 percent, followed by Metro Manila at 58 percent, the Visayas at 57 percent and balance Luzon at 53 percent.

By class, it was highest in class ABC at 70 percent, followed by class E at 58 percent and class D at 56 percent.

However, the June survey also found that 63 percent disagreed with the statement, “President Duterte should also declare martial law in the Visayas.” Twenty-three percent agreed, while 13 percent were undecided about the matter.

The survey also showed 67 percent who disagreed with the statement, “President Duterte should also declare martial law in Luzon.” Twenty percent agreed, while 13 percent were undecided.

Awareness of Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao was highest in Mindanao at 98 percent, followed by Metro Manila at 93 percent, the Visayas at 93 percent and balance Luzon at 88 percent.

By class, awareness was highest in class D, or masa, at 93 percent, followed by class ABC at 90 percent and class E at 86 percent.

The survey used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 representative adults.

Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law last May 23 following the attack of the IS-linked Maute terrorists in Marawi City.