The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Monday raised its objection to proposals that would extend the imposition of martial law in Mindanao, saying it believed in the capability of the country’s security forces to address the recent acts of violence in the region.
The CHR also condemned the consecutive blasts in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat province that had killed four people and wounded at least 40 others.
“We trust that our security forces are fully capable of quelling lawlessness without extending martial law months before even the current declaration ends,” said lawyer Jacqueline De Guia, CHR spokesperson.
Medialdea remark
The CHR released the statement in reaction to a remark by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea last week that the government was considering extending martial law in Mindanao, following the first bomb blast that killed three people and wounded 37 others in Isulan.
The country’s policy-makers need to “carefully assess” the situation on the ground, considering the “harsh effects” of the imposition of martial law on the affected communities.
Citing reports of internal displacement, allegations of torture, profiling and other forms of “unwarranted violence” in Mindanao, the CHR said the government should weigh the implications before making a decision, which impacts on the lives of Filipinos.
‘Senseless violence’
De Guia called on the authorities to make sure the perpetrators were held accountable.
“The perpetrators need to be accountable before our laws that seek to instill respect and protection of our rights and dignity,” she said.
Senators have raised doubts that extending martial law in Mindanao would bring peace to the island.
Last week, Senator Panfilo Lacson said a security plan that includes talking to all disgruntled groups on the island, not martial law, would ensure peace in Mindanao.
Members of the Senate minority have also criticized Medialdea’s statement, with Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senators Francis Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros and Antonio Trillanes IV vowing to vote against martial law extension.