De Lima seeks probe of martial law in Mindanao

Detained Sen. Leila de Lima filed a resolution seeking an investigation of alleged abuses in the enforcement of martial law in Mindanao.

De Lima, detained on drug charges that she said were trumped up, cited reports alleging killings, torture and illegal arrests and indiscriminate bombings by the military.

She said the situation was “ironic” since “what should have been used” to “bring peace and order in Mindanao” was used instead “to violate human rights and international humanitarian law.”

On May 23, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after Islamic State followers tried to set up a base in predominantly Muslim Marawi City.

De Lima said both sides of the conflict in Marawi had been accused of atrocities, but “the State is duty-bound to uphold the primacy of human rights.” —Leila B. Salaverria