Go rules out extending martial law in Mindanao

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said on December 6, that the martial law in Mindanao might no longer be extended. Go said he agrees with the decision of the military to recommend whether extending martial law in Mindanao is still necessary or not.

He said he wants what’s good for the majority: “Ako naman, kung ano pong para sa kabutihan ng karamihan.”

Go added that if the Armed Forces of the Philippines [AFP] says martial law is no longer needed in Mindanao, he will support this.

“Kapag sinabi naman po ng military na hindi na po kailangan ng

martial law ay suportado ko po ito.”

The martial law in Mindanao, which President Duterte declared in response to the Marawi siege, is set to expire on December 31, two years and seven months since it was declared and extended twice.

Go added that martial law may no longer be necessary if the proposed amendment to the Human Security Act of 2007 becomes a law.

Go, a member of the Senate Committee

on National Defense, said he’s hoping the amendments would be approved by the Upper House.

The proposed amendments aim to strengthen the country’s antiterrorism law.

Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana earlier recommended to the President for the non-extension of martial law in Mindanao, citing findings of the AFP on the matter. The strength and capability of threat groups, including the Maute Group, have been substantially reduced and several hundreds of loose firearms have been surrendered, Lorenzana said. Security authorities also noted a significant drop in crime rates in strategic areas and that the Abu Sayaff in Basilan and Sulu are being slowly defeated, he added.

Interior Secretary Eduardo M. Año also backed Lorenzana’s recommendation, saying in a statement dated December 5, that “[T]he purpose of martial law has been attained based on the assessment of military and police forces as normalcy has returned to the entire region and the peace and order situation in the area has remarkably improved since the

Marawi Siege of 2017.”

Nevertheless, Go believes that should there be intermittent armed clashes between some rebel groups and government troops, the state must ensure the welfare of civilians affected in these conflict areas.

He hopes to have “permanent evacuation centers [hindi lang po sa panahon ng disaster kundi sa panahon ng digmaan]” not only during disasters but also during outbreaks of armed conflict. Go said that is what Duterte wants.

He added that the President prioritizes peace-related initiatives and is focused on instilling long-lasting peace and development, especially in Mindanao. Go said Duterte is scheduled to talk to Moro National Liberation

Front Founding Chairman Nur Misuari on December 13 in Davao.

He added that the President also created a Peace Coordinating Committee. Go said Duterte wants to talk to all groups. (“Lahat po ng grupo ay gusto niyang kausapin.”)

He also emphasized his trust in the military in ensuring the security in Mindanao saying, “alam na po ng militar ang kanilang ginawa.” (The military knows what they’re doing in Mindanao.)

Go thanked his fellow Mindanaoans for the continued support and trust given to the Duterte administration and encouraged them to participate in nation building in order to bring long-lasting peace and development in Mindanao.