Mayor backs Duterte’s Martial Law declaration

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan on Thursday expressed support to the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to declare Martial Law in Mindanao in response to the terroristic acts of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)inspired Maute group in Marawi City that led to still on-going clashes with government troops.

In a statement, the mayor said he fully trusts that the President knows what is best for the country at this moment and that he had enough reasons to justify the imposition of direct military control in Mindanao.

“We support the action of the President in declaring Martial Law in Mindanao. We have full trust that the President had been supplied with sufficient facts that can justify the declaration of Martial law in the said area,” the mayor said.

The mayor said he sees no cause for worry as to the basis for the declaration because under the Constitution, the President is mandated to “report and explain to Congress within a prescribed period the reasons why he had declared Martial Law.”

“With the declaration of Martial Law, we hope that the Armed Force of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will quell and stop the lawless

violence and rebellion in the said area to save innocent civilians from possible death and injuries and also damage to properties,” the mayor said.

The mayor also confirmed that one of those killed in the ongoing conflict was a policeman who hailed from the city.

“We are mourning for one of the casualties in the lawless violence and rebellion is no less that Police Sr. Insp. Fredie Solar from our city,” he said.

The mayor also expressed hope that the Marawi City violence will cause no spillover effects in other parts of the country including Baguio.

“Let us be vigilant and be prepared for any eventuality,” he asked residents.

He also urged the Muslim community in the city to fulfill their commitment during earlier consultations to cooperate with the city government and the law enforcers in maintaining peace and order in the city.

“I trust that our Muslin community will be at the forefront in guarding their own ranks against possible fundamentalists who may attempt to infiltrate their group and conduct nefarious activities in the city. Please cooperate with our law enforcers by reporting any suspicious acts or suspiciouslooking persons to prevent any untoward incident,” the mayor appealed. Aileen Refuerzo/PIO