AFP vows zero abuses amid Mindanao martial law

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday vowed to maintain professionalism and zero abuses following President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of a 60-day martial law over the entire Mindanao region.

"Ang inyo pong AFP is committed into enforcing whatever will be in addition to our operations on the ground pursuant to the declaration of the martial law. We will do this without abuse, we will do this in consonance with existing

laws," he said. Human rights group Karapatan on Wednesday expressed opposition on Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao as they raised concern that this could result to massive human rights abuses.

It said martial law declaration "will aggravate the insecurity in the area. Martial law is not the answer; it will never result to anything but gross violations of people's rights."

Duterte late Tuesday evening placed Mindanao under a 60-day martial law following the atrocities of the Maute group, a group affiliated with Islamic State militants, in Marawi City.

With the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, Duterte said he would be harsh and it would not be different from the martial law enforced by late President Ferdinand Marcos during his term.

Arevalo said the declaration of the martial law will be a big help in addressing the situation on the ground. With JCR

MACKY LIM MARTIAL LAW. Personnel from Task Force Davao stand on guard in front of the Davao City Hall yesterday afternoon as the city is on full alert status after the declaration of Martial Law all over Mindanao by President Rodrigo Duterte, Monday evening in...