Civilian-AFP tieup backed
ILIGAN CITY—In the face of the lifting of martial law in Mindanao by year-end, Vice President Leni Robredo has called for a strong partnership between the private sector and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the rest of the government to ensure that communities in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur province are free from terrorist attacks.
During her visit to Marawi City on Thursday, Robredo noted that local leaders have wanted to maintain the state of martial law, even if only in Lanao del Sur, because they feel more protected that way.
But she deferred to President Duterte to consider and decide on the matter.
Mr. Duterte earlier announced he would no longer seek an extension of martial law in Mindanao.
Functioning relationship
Martial law was first imposed on May 23, 2017, when Islamic State-linked militants attacked Marawi, precipitating a five-month long war that ravaged the city’s central business district.
It has since been extended thrice by Congress, and will expire by year-end.Amid the prospect of martial law’s nonextension, Robredo said a functioning relationship between the private sector and the military should be built.
“For example, the private sector can provide the military with information … For me, security is as much the responsibility of everyone as it is the responsibility of government and the military,” she said.
She asked Marawi residents to report to authorities any information about security threats so these can be acted upon swiftly.
Securing rehab workers
Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. called on the extension of martial law, especially in his province, to secure the people undertaking the work of rehabilitating Marawi.
Adiong said keeping martial law would help ensure the smooth implementation of rehabilitation work because increased military and police presence reduced the threat from violent extremists.
This view was shared by Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra, who said that many residents were still struggling to normalize their disrupted lives after the siege.
