‘MARTIAL LAW NEEDED TO END REBELLION’
Defense chief admits there is no need for martial law to address Marawi siege Authorities vow to rescue hostages as fight corners militants in Marawi
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana admitted Wednesday having told senators that there is no need to declare martial law to address the armed conflict in Marawi City in Mindanao.
But he later clarified that martial law is imperative to, once and for all, address rebellion on all fronts in the entire Mindanao.
“The situation currently being dealt with by security forces goes beyond Marawi City. President (Rodrigo) Duterte’s imposition of martial law aims to put an end to the long-running rebellion in various provinces in the south as evidenced by the incidents that happened in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Maguindanao,” Lorenzana said.
He quoted the President as saying: “Kung magdi-declare ako ng martial law, tatapusin ko nang lahat ito (If I declare martial law, I might as well address all threats).”
Lorenzana confirmed that he told senators in an executive session on Monday that government troops can contain the situation in Marawi City even without martial law.
Fighting erupted in Marawi on May 23 between government troops and the group of Muslim militant Isnilon Hapilon, who is being aided by the Maute terrorist group. The conflict prompted Duterte to place Mindanao under martial law for 60 days effective 10 p.m. of May 23.
The militants allegedly torched buildings in Marawi and took hostages. As of Wednesday, the death toll from the armed conflict has increased to 129.
Authorities have reached out to parties who may be able to talk with the Muslim militants in a bid to secure the freedom of hostages.
Troops have cleared almost 90 percent of Marawi city, said military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla. He said Hapilon is believed to be still in Marawi.
Padilla said 960 civilians have been rescued, and an estimated 1,000 residents remain trapped in the city. The dead include 89 militants, 19 civilians and 21 government forces, Padilla said.
A video of a Catholic priest taken hostage is being assessed by experts, he added.
He said the video seems authentic, but the Rev. Teresito Suganob appeared to be speaking under duress and militants are apparently using the video for propaganda.
In the video, Suganob said he is being held alongside 200 other captives, including children.
“We want to live another day, we want to live another month,” Suganob said, standing in front of debris and partially burned buildings. Directing his remarks to President Rodrigo Duterte, he said: “We want to live few years and in your generosity, Mr. President, in your heart, we know you can make something (happen).”
Marawi Bishop Edwin de la Pena confirmed that it was Suganob in the video.
Padilla could not confirm the figure of 200 hostages, saying it may be propaganda.
He said there have been efforts to reach out to parties who may conduct back channel talks to help free the hostages. He assured the captives’ families that the military is doing its best to keep them safe. He did not elaborate.
“We’re not negotiating with terrorists. We’re merely working closely with a civil organization whose objective is to save more lives,” he said.