Gatchalian: Martial law scary only at first glance

The Senate will have to assess the current situation in Mindanao if there was, indeed, a need to extend martial law beyond Dec. 31, 2018.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian made this remark in a radio interview on Sunday, following Malacañang’s statement that it was taking its cue from the military over whether to extend martial law.

“We will study it very carefully,” Gatchalian said.

“At first glance, martial law might be scary,” he said.

“But if you go to Mindanao, they are happy because warlords are now afraid to go around,” he added.

Sentiments

Gatchalian said the Senate should listen to sentiments aired by Mindanao residents and “study these carefully” in looking at the reasons why martial law should be extended for a third time.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said, however, that there were no proposals yet from the military to extend martial law.

IS threat

Mindanao was placed under martial law on May 23, 2017, following an attempt by local followers of Islamic State (IS) to establish an IS base in Marawi City.

Gatchalian said the threat of terrorism still existed in
Mindanao.

He said investments and businesses did not seem to have been adversely affected by martial law.

“I talked to some businessmen in Mindanao” who support martial law “because there is now order,” Gatchalian said.