Maguindanao PPOC backs short ML extension

BULUAN, Maguindanao – Civilian, police, and military sector-members of the security cluster of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) have expressed full support for a “short” extension of martial law (MC) as proposed by President Duterte.

Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, head of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, told a special meeting here with stakeholders that his Maguindanao-based entity is “anticipating an extension in martial law” based on popular support expressed not only at the half-day meeting here but mainly by the leaderships of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“We’re appealing for more public understanding that the purpose of the martial law is for the security of every Filipino citizen across Mindanao,” he said.

Dela Vega attended the meeting alongside all heads of four Army brigades and a Marine brigade under his command on the invitation of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Mangudadatu,” who presided over the meeting as PPOC chairman.

Mangudadatu and his younger siblings, Maguindanao Mayors’ League president Freddie and Assemblyman Khadaffeh affirmed that the initial advent of martial law has been essential in curbing threats of terrorism-bound religious extremism and organized crimes including illegal drugs use or peddling.

“A five-month extension in martial law would be fair,” Gov. Mangudadatu said, referring to an official request from President Duterte for Congress to extend the emergency rule and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus until Dec. 31 this year.

The governor and his PPOC members, including his 36 municipal mayors, were opposed to a suggestion to enforce martial rule during the entire term of President Duterte.

Such proposition, they said, would make the Duterte administration as a “mirror of martial law government.”

Senior Supt. Austin Tello, provincial police director said the two-month martial law helped decrease sharply crime index in Maguindanao.

Mayor Abolais Manalao of Buldon, Maguindanao said martial law has enabled his office to persuade 20 of his armed constituents to yield their firearms in exchange for livelihood assistance.

The 20 firearm-surrendering residents purchased tricycles to earn income out of the money paid out by the mayor’s office in exchange for their long firearms. (Ali G. Macabalang)