By Cielito M. Reganit
MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday assured the
public that he will not allow abuses in the implementation of martial law in
Mindanao amid concerns raised on the possibility of human rights abuses similar
to those perpetrated during the Marcos era.
The President made the assurance in a press briefing shortly upon
arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from a shortened official
visit to Russia.
“I will assure you I am not willing to allow abuses. Government is
still running, the Congress is functioning, and the courts are open for
citizens to seek grievance,” Duterte stressed.
He also assured the public that in all decisions and actions, the
primordial concern is the safety and welfare of the people.
“It is our Constitutional mandate to enforce the law and provide
security. It is our Constitutional duty to ensure that every family, every
community, all Filipinos, are assured to live in peace and harmony. We will
stay true to our mandate and duty, this I can assure everyone,” Duterte said.
The President cut short his visit to Moscow after declaring martial law
in Mindanao following violent clashes between government troops and the Maute
Group in Marawi City on Tuesday.
The clashes erupted after security forces troops raided the hideout of
Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf leader who has been tagged as the head of the
Islamic-inspired terror group in the Philippines.
Duterte said the series of terror acts committed by the Maute group,
which included the taking over and burning of several government facilities,
establishing checkpoints within the city and flying the ISIS flag, constituted
the crime of rebellion.
The acts committed by the terrorist group also resulted in the loss of
lives of government forces as well as the displacement of innocent civilians.
“These things government cannot allow. It is an open defiance and the
violence, the atrocities continue. Government must put an end to this. I cannot
gamble with ISIS because they are everywhere. And, you know what is happening
or you must be very aware of what happened in the Middle East,” the President
said.
With the declaration of martial law, the privilege of the writ of
habeas corpus is likewise suspended in the entire Mindanao island, including
the provinces of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.
“Checkpoints will be allowed; searches will be allowed; arrest without
a warrant will be allowed in Mindanao. And I do not need to secure any search
warrant or a warrant of arrest,” Duterte said.
However, the President said that law-abiding citizens have nothing to
worry about the imposition of martial law.
“Remember that this is not intended for the law-abiding citizens. We
are the least of your worry,” he said.
“But if you confront government, and my orders are one: to enforce the
law. And anyone caught possessing a gun and confronting us with violence, my
orders are shoot to kill,” he said.
“I said, I will not allow abuses. The courts are open. But anyone now holding
a gun, confronting government with violence, my orders are spare no one. Let us
solve the problem of Mindanao once and for all,” Duterte said.
The President likewise said that he may consider expanding the areas
covered by martial law to include the Visayas.
“Government may consider the covered areas of Martial Law in the event
that members of the Maute group and other ISIS affiliated terrorists seek
sanctuary or expand their terroristic activities in the Visayas and Mindanao.”
he said. (PNA)
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