ZAMBOANGA CITy, Philippines - First district Rep. Celso Lobregat expressed
support Friday to the declaration of martial law in Mindanao as he called on
the residents to stay vigilant and support the authorities’ efforts in
implementing stricter security measures in the island.
President Rodrigo Duterte has placed Mindanao under martial law for 60
days after Maute group members on Tuesday engaged government troops in a
firefight in Marawi City, displacing thousands of people.
Lobregat said the military and police need the support of the
civilians, by providing authorities with vital information on the presence of
lawless elements.
Lobregat said President Duterte "has enough wisdom and reasons to
declare martial law because of the prevailing situation in Marawi City."
Lobregat said "containing the violence in one area and resolving
it swiftly is the best move to resolve the prevailing conflict."
He said it is justifiable for the President to declare martial rule
"since Mindanao is flocked by various types of lawless groups capable of
creating havoc and civil disturbance in a given opportune time."
“The president’s declaration of martial law is within the premise of
the constitution, it is legal and justifiable especially in crisis situations
like this one in Marawi,” he said.
However, he warned the military and the police not to abuse their
authority.
Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that
the President, as commander-in-chief, may “in case of invasion or rebellion,
when the public safety requires it” suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas
corpus or place the country under martial law.
The writ safeguards individual freedom against arbitrary state action.
(Teofilo P. Garcia Jr./PNA)
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