Instead of fearing President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent order to deploy more troops to several provinces to suppress “lawless violence,” the public “should be happy” of that as it reflects the government’s efforts to ensure their safety.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said this on Tuesday to defend again Duterte’s Memorandum Order No. 32, which called for the deployment of additional military troops and police officers to the Samar province, Negros Island and Bicol Region.
“People should be happy about that,” Panelo said in an interview with GMA News TV. “That means ang gobyerno nagre-respond, tumutulong upang pangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng mamamayan.”
[That means the government is responding, helping to ensure the safety of citizens.]
Panelo made the remark after MO 32 drew mixed reactions since being made public last Friday.
READ: Duterte sends more troops in Bicol, Samar, Negros vs ‘lawless violence’
Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares earlier said that the increased deployment might be used against the public and opposition candidates in the midterm elections next year.
Panelo insisted, however, that the Palace order was only meant to arrest the wave of lawless violence that had been taking place in the past months.
He also allayed fears that MO 32 might lead to the declaration of martial law nationwide.
“Kaya sinasabi ko kay Mr. Colmenares, na nagrereklamo baka daw iyan tungkol sa eleksyon: O ’di lalo kakong matuwa ka dapat sapagkat pangangalagaan natin ang mga kandidato, ang mga botante — kung tungkol sa eleksyon iyan. But it’s not,” Panelo said.
[That’s why I say to Mr. Colmenares — who’s complaing that it may have something to do with the elections: All the more you should be ahppy because we’re taking care of the candidates, the voters — if that’s really for the elections. But it’s not.]
“Kaya tayo nagre-respond kasi marami ngang acts of violence happening all over — those areas mentioned in Memorandum No. 32,” he added.
[We’re responding because they really are many acts of violence happening all over — those areas mentioned in Memorandum No. 32.]
The Palace official also noted that “even if it is unusual” for the President to issue such an order, “what is important is the government is responding to acts of violence,” sending law enforcers and ensuring public safety. /atm
READ: Palace insists MO 32 not prelude to martial law