Mayor Sara welcomes lifting of martial law in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY - Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio welcomed the lifting of martial law by the end of the year, saying she expects its economic benefits in the city.

In a statement released by City Information Office Wednesday, Duterte-Carpio said the lifting of martial law would entice more foreign tourists and investors to come to Davao.

The mayor admitted that the declaration of martial law had negative effects on the city when foreign governments issued travel bans that made tourists and investors apprehensive in coming here.

“There is a negative connotation in the international community when it comes to martial law. Through the lifting, by the end of the month, our standing in the international community will improve,” she said.

She noted the effect of the military rule was more on foreign investments.

“When it comes to local investment, there is no problem. But in the international community, the declaration of martial law and travel ban coming from their governments really affected us,” Duterte added.

Despite the lifting of martial law, the City Council passed a resolution asking the Philippine National Police to continue the suspension of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) for a year.

Duterte-Carpio said the suspension of PTCFOR will be an effective measure in maintaining the city's peace and order even without martial law.

“As what we see, this is the only thing that we need to control our peace and order situation,” she said.