Martial law in Mindanao

ON TUESDAY, a local terrorist group, Maute, attacked Marawi City. The army and police in the area took action to counter the group and secure the city.

Hours later, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who was on a state visit to Russia, declared martial law for Mindanao in a bid to stop the terrorists. He has also cut short his trip to Russia to be back in the country and be on top of the situation.

While the declaration of martial law took many of us by surprise, especially those who are really against it, we have to understand and trust that the President knows what he is doing and what he is getting into.

He made it quite clear earlier that declaring martial law in Mindanao, when the time comes, will not be an easy decision.

"I already warned you. Please don't force my hand to kill you. I hate to do it. I do not want to do it. But if there will be loss of lives without any valid reason at all and just because of the pleasure of killing innocent lives, I will use my authority against you," Duterte said during the 33rd Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary National Convention held at the SMX Convention, SM Lanang, Davao City last May 19.

Martial law left a bad taste in our collective mouths during President Ferdinand E. Marcos' reign. Many of us fear that history will eventually repeat itself.

But is there really something to fear about martial law? Not really. The 1987 Constitution has safeguards in place to ensure that the martial law of the Marcos era shall never happen again.

For instance, once the President declares martial law he shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress within 48 hours from its proclamation. The Congress will then vote in a regular or special session to push through or revoke the proclamation. If not in session, the Congress shall convene within 24 hours.

Also, according to the constitution, martial law will only be within a period of 60 days un-