Oro mayor open to possible martial law extension

CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno ensured the public that there is nothing to worry if President Rodrigo Duterte decides to extend the martial law in Mindanao.

As talks to extend martial rule is back, Moreno again insisted that the martial law under the Duterte is very much different from that of the late president Ferdinand Marcos which he said was suppressive.

"This time, lahi gyud kini karon, kinsa ba nadakpan na walay warrant? Wala man (It’s different this time. Who was arrested without warrant? No one.)," Moreno said in his weekly radio program.

"Syempre kung naay bombing, kinahanglan walay na hinuon ang martial law? (No martial law despite of the bombing?)" he added.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea earlier this week said extending further the implementation of martial law in Mindanao is an option following the recent blast in Sultan Kudarat, which killed two people and wounded 36 others.

Moreno said it is important for the government officials to not feel threatened amidst security threats. He however pointed out that he understands the worries of some.

"Sa ako, ang importante naay safeguards (For me, it is important to have safeguards), we are protected by our Constitution, and every possible extension is reviewable. Kasabot ko sa kabalaka, labina kadtong wala kita sa sitwasyon sa Mindanao (I understand those who are worried especially those who did not see the situation of Mindanao), whenever you talk of martial law to an outsider, they associate it with dictatorship, especially with the international area, but that is not our case,” he said.

"It's okay, there's nothing to worry about because we have safeguards. If there is threat of bombing, would you rather end martial law?" he said.

Duterte first imposed martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017 at the height of Marawi siege, but even as the government declared victory over the Islamic state-inspired Maute terrorist group, Duterte still asked Congress to extend martial rule in the southern region until the end of 2018.

Congress granted the President’s request for the second time on December 13, 2017.