Lacson: Terrorism will persist despite killing of Hapilon, Maute
Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson warned on Tuesday that despite the annihilation of the two top leaders of the Marawi siege – Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute – the problem of terrorism will still persist with new groups and recruits emerging to sow radicalism and terror.
“I think terrorism is here to stay. Eh maski pa maubos mo na lahat ng Maute terrorists kasi borderless naman ang terrorism. Pwedeng merong umusbong na panibagong (grupo) at mag recruit ng mga bago,” he said. (Even if you annihilate all of the Maute terrorists, terrorism will remain borderless. A new group may emerge with new recruits.)
“Kaya yun dapat ang tutukan lalo ng ating intelligence community nang sa gayon bago pa man umusbong e, maapula na nila,” Lacson suggested. 9This is what our intelligence community must focus on so that even before they emerge, they will already be stopped.)
On Tuesday, lawmakers weighed in on the possibility of the government finally lifting the declaration of martial law in Mindanao following the liberation of Marawi from the terrorists.
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said he believes martial law shouldn't be lifted yet in Mindanao as government troops have to continue the clearing operations and ensure that all terrorists are arrested or neutralized.
“It is also advisable as people in Mindanao are happy with martial law since it limits or prevents warlordism and private armies from moving with their firearms,” Ejercito said in a statement.
“This might be good in the long run to further improve the peace and order situation in Mindanao and bring about the needed economic development,” the senator added.
Deputy Speaker and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro, Rep. Rodito Albano (PDP-Laban, Isabela), and Rep. Alfred Vargas (PDP-Laban, Quezon City) said it may not be advisable for Duterte to relax security measures in Marawi City until there is an assurance that the war-torn locality can rebuild and go back to normalcy.
“We should not be too confident and complacent just because the military has declared that hostilities have started cease. We have to hear from the people and local government of Marawi City and Mindanao if they already feel secured,” said Castro as he advised against lifting martial law.
Albano, a senior member of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, pointed out that Duterte has the prerogative to continue imposing martial law because he can be guided by a correct intelligence assessment of the Marawi City situaiton.
“The commander in chief and his military advisers are in the best position to determine what is needed to ensure the total victory in our battle agaisnt ISIS in Mindanao,” said Vargas, vice chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations.
Lacson, however, said he believes martial law declaration will not last until December 31.
“I don’t think so kasi nasa final phase na nga eh, sinasabi rin nila maliit na area na lang ang tinitignan nila,” Lacson said in a phone patch interview.
“So let’s just hope na matapos na talaga ang problema sa Marawi city, na hindi na mag-spill over sa ibang lugar sa Mindanao at lalo na dito sa Luzon at Metro Manila,” Lacson stressed.
Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, for his part, said it is best to wait for the Armed Forces of the Philippiness (AFP) and the Department of National Defense’s (DND) report and recommendation before martial law in Mindanao is lifted.