State of emergency remains in Maguindanao

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Malacañang on Thursday ruled out the lifting of a state of emergency in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City imposed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the aftermath of the Maguindanao massacre in November 2009.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said officials in the three areas believed the measure should be maintained, especially in view of the elections in May next year.

He said that after President Aquino assumed office in June 2010, the  officials, including Maguindanao Gov.  Esmael Mangudadatu, reached this consensus.

“Now, that there’s upcoming elections also, there’s no call for them to lift the state of emergency. And, I think, that is still the position taken by the local government officials there. So the state of emergency as of this briefing is still in place, and to ensure peace and order in the area of Maguindanao, especially in these coming elections,” Lacierda told reporters.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas  has identified Maguindanao as one of the 15 provinces on the priority election watch list, according to Lacierda.

After the gruesome massacre of 58 civilians in Maguindanao,  Arroyo issued on Nov. 24, 2009, Proclamation Order No. 1946 declaring a state of emergency in the three areas, allowing the military to quell lawless violence and crack down on private armies. TJ Burgonio