Another year of martial law
It came out as a no surprise when news came out yesterday that martial law in Mindanao has been extended to December 31, 2019. In the joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, 235 voted yes for its extension, 28 no, and one abstained. In the Senate alone, voting was 12-5-1 while in the Congress it was 223-23-0.
It can be recalled that it was in 2017 when President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after hostilities broke out in Marawi City in May 2017. Martial law was first extended until the end of 2017 in July 2017 and was again extended to December 31, 2018 in December 13, 2017.
During the initial implementation of martial law in Mindanao, the island’s economy was somehow affected especially the tourism and information technology - business process management (IT-BPM) industries.
The tourism sector in Davao City reported millions of loses in tourist receipts. Likewise, some conferences and meetings were postponed to a later date.
As for the IT-BPM industry, some investors were in a wait and see situation if they will enter Davao City or not.
However, it can be noted that towards the end of 2017, the economic situation in the island somehow recovered.
Also, over a year and a half since its implementation, militant and human rights groups have claimed that there have been numerous human rights violations in Mindanao since martial law has been implemented here.
Sadly, despite martial law in Mindanao, there are still armed groups who are still causing trouble in different parts of the island.
However, there are also Mindanawons who have pointed out that since the implementation of martial law, they feel much safer and more secure. Likewise, some businesses have expanded due to what they see as an improved security situation in the island.
While the implementation of martial law in Mindanao is far from perfect; many do somehow agree that martial law somehow helped in improving the security in the island.
Now as martial law enters another extension, another cloud of uncertainty also enters. We now question as to what will happen now with another year of martial law? Will it really further address the insurgency problem here at the South? How long will Mindanawons have to live with martial law?
Anyway, we just hope that authorities will continue to uphold the human rights of every individual as the island is placed in another year of martial law.