Protecting the people

The Armed Forces of the Philippines turned 82 yesterday as it prepared for the one-year extension of martial law in the entire Mindanao. It is to the AFP’s credit that opposition to the extension, overwhelmingly ratified by the pro-administration super majority in Congress, has been generally subdued. It is also to the credit of this AFP that people perceive martial law in the Duterte administration to be different from military rule during Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship.

Public trust, however, must be nurtured. The perception that the AFP can be trusted with immense martial law powers can vanish overnight. In recent weeks, complaints have emerged, accusing the AFP of human rights violations in fighting the Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists who laid siege to Marawi for five months. So far, however, the AFP is generally seen to have accomplished its mission in Marawi. The AFP lost scores of its members in driving out the terrorists and killing their top commanders. The military victory allowed residents to return to their homes for the difficult task of rebuilding a ruined city.

The one-year extension will still be challenged before the courts. But its implementation starts on the first day of the new year, and the AFP must show that it can sustain its conduct in Marawi in the continued fight against Islamic State-inspired terrorists. Communist rebels have been added to the targets of martial law, which could alter perceptions of the way the battle is carried out.

After President Duterte declared Marawi “liberated” from the IS-Maute threat, soldiers returning from the battle received a hero’s welcome. This was a big cause for celebration yesterday at the 82nd anniversary of the Armed Forces. As the AFP looks forward to another year, its members must not lose public trust. Remembering their anniversary theme would be useful: “protecting the people, securing the state.”