MANILA, Philippines ? Despite the flak that the government and the military have received for enforcing martial law in Maguindanao, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo defended the declaration as an indication that the ?heartbeat of peace and human rights is very much alive.?
?If anything positive can come out of the terrible tragedy in Maguindanao it is the heartbeat of peace and human rights is very much alive,? Arroyo said in her speech during the 74th Foundation Day of the Armed Forces of the Philippines ceremony held at Camp Aguinaldo Thursday.
Arroyo placed Maguindanao under martial rule on December 4 after 57 people were killed in what has been considered a case of political violence late November.
The influential Ampatuans, the President?s allies in the province, were tagged as suspects.
In his speech, AFP Chief of Staff General Victor Ibrado also defended the controversial declaration, saying that martial law allowed the military to disarm militias and immediately arrest suspected masterminds behind the killing.
?The Martial Law declaration has shown that you can trust your soldiers and your policemen,? Ibrado said.
?We have neither desire nor intent to undermine democracy. As evidenced by the swift, deliberate and calibrated application of force, we have shown that the AFP is a professional institution firm in following the rule of law and the rules of court,? he added.
Arroyo also commended military officials and personnel and ordered that they be given proper awards and promotions.
?Those who were assigned to implement martial law in Maguidanao showed our people that the Philippines is a law abiding and democratic nation and upholds the rule of law and respects human rights,? Arroyo said.
Martial law was declared December 4 in Maguindanao where 57 people, mostly women and journalists, were massacred allegedly by the Ampatuans.
Several clan members, including Governor Zaldy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. and alleged mastermind and Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Jr., are under the custody of authorities pending results of the investigation.
