Duterte defends martial law in Mindanao

On the 101st birth anniversary of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, President Duterte yesterday defended his imposition of martial law in Mindanao.

Duterte claimed military rule reduced crimes in the island, which is hounded by jihadists, communist insurgency and clan wars.

“It has lessened criminality by and large. And the only way to do that is to conduct a survey among the people of Mindanao, the political leaders, they can call them,” Duterte said in a televised interview with his chief legal adviser Salvador Panelo.

“The stations have the number and maybe... they can... conduct an interview or they can always ask their networks there to do the survey. Let’s see,” he added.

The interview with Duterte was held on the same day Marcos loyalists were commemorating the 101st birth anniversary of the late strongman whose presidency was tainted with allegations of corruption and human rights violations.

Marcos placed the entire country under martial law in 1972 supposedly to quell the threats posed by communists. The late strongman, once described by Duterte as “one of the best Filipinos,” was ousted by the historic People Power Revolution in 1986.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017 after terrorists linked with the Islamic State laid siege to Marawi City, torched establishments and kidnapped several civilians. Congress voted to extend martial law until the end of the year despite fears that it would lead to abuses.

Duterte said he does not know of any complaints against soldiers implementing military rule. He claimed the Marawi siege proved that the military could “thrive in a war zone” and “can survive on a controlled condition.”

“I take full responsibility for it. Otherwise, martial law will be toothless,” the President added.