Militant group: Clarify nature, scope of ‘state of lawlessness’

Amid confusion on the “state of lawlessness” declared by President Rodrigo Duterte, a militant group on Saturday called on the government to clarify the nature, extent and duration of the declaration.

“While we understand the need to prevent another similar terror attack, Malacañang and the DOJ should first clarify the nature, extent and duration of the President’s declaration of a state of lawlessness,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes said in a statement.

Reyes’ statement came after Duterte declared a state of lawlessness following the deadly explosion in Davao City that killed at least 14 people.

READ: Confusion, unease over Duterte’s declaration of ‘state of lawlessness’

Duterte was quick to say his declaration was not martial law.

“While the President has said that it is not martial law, it is important that the legal parameters are defined and the public informed. Is the state of lawlessness being declared nationwide and not just in the affected region?” Reyes said.

Reyes said it should also be clarified why the government’s war on drugs was included in the declaration.

“Protecting the people, even during these difficult times, should not mean curtailing their rights, and the President knows this very well,” he said.

READ: Palace: State of lawlessness over PH constitutional

The militant leader said the “perpetrators of this heinous crime must be swiftly brought to justice.”

“We extend our condolences and offer solidarity with the people of Davao City during this most difficult time,” he said.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the September 2 bombing of a night market in Davao City that claimed the lives of at least 14 people and injured 67,” he said, adding that nothing can justify the killing of unarmed civilians.

Sheena Duazo, Bayan secretary general in Southern Mindanao Region, meanwhile, warned against “unleashing an anti-Moro hysteria” after the bandit group Abu Sayyaf Group has claimed responsibility over the deadly bombing.
“We warn against unleashing an anti-Moro hysteria now that the Abu Sayyaf Group has owned up to the Roxas night market bombing,” Duazo said.

READ: Abu Sayyaf disowns Davao explosion, says ally was behind attack

While their group supports a “thorough” investigation, she said the probe should include “possible spoilers of peace and order.”

“We can stop this fear and speculation with our call for a thorough objective probe on the bombings, and this should include the possible spoilers of peace and order from the unscrupulous elements in the AFP and PNP,” she said.

“We must not forget. We must stand together and call for justice and a just peace for the country,” she added. CDG