Martial law backed
Allies of President Duterte in the Senate on Wednesday expressed support for the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, saying “it is just a temporary yet decisive measure to protect the people.”
This as they called on the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to pray for the people of Marawi City and the government forces fighting the enemies of the state and working to bring back normalcy in the area.
In a statement, Senator Manny Pacquiao said that putting the entire Mindanao under state of martial law is “timely and necessary” in the light of political turmoil perpetrated by the Moro extremists in Marawi City.
“I fully support the declaration of martial law in Mindanao by President Rodrigo Duterte,” he said.
The boxing champ-turned senator stressed that the military and the police are doing appropriate actions to restore stability and order in the area. He appealed to the civilian populace not only in Marawi City but in the entire country to stay calm and vigilant.
“Mindanao is contributing a big chunk to the national economy. The declaration of martial law is just a temporary yet decisive measure to protect the people, to prevent any further loss of lives and to suppress lawless violence,” he said.
“Now is not the time for us to be divided as a nation. Let us understand that the President makes this tough decision with the welfare of the people in mind,” Pacquiao continued.
“He (Duterte) is, nonetheless, constitutionally bound to provide explanation within 48 hours to justify his decision,” the senator further said,
Pacquiao went on to allay the public’s fear on the situation, stressing that the 1987 Constitution provides adequate safeguards against possible abuses which are not available in our previous Constitution.
“To our kababayans in Marawi City, rest assured that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray for your safety during these trying times. Let us also pray for our brave soldiers and law enforcers who risk their lives in the field just to make our country a safe place to live in,” said the senator.
Meanwhile, Zenator Juan Miguel Zubiri also said: “We have to rally behind the President, our Commander-in-Chief. This is a time for unity and courage.”
And as he stressed that “the Philippines is no place for terrorists,” Zubiri said that the government must use all constitutional means to suppress lawlessness and, once and for all, eradicate terrorism from our land.