Palace thanks 15 senators supporting martial law in Mindanao

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella. ALBERT ALCAIN/Presidential Photo (FILE)

Malacañang on Tuesday thanked the 15 senators who filed a resolution expressing support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

READ: 15 senators: ‘No compelling reason’ to revoke martial law declaration in Mindanao

“We thank the Senate for its resolution expressing support to the President’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

The 15 senators who said the declaration of martial law was constitutional and in accordance with the law were Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Gringo Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Manny Pacquiao, Joel Villanueva , Cynthia Villar and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

“The President has acted swiftly and decisively to suppress the ongoing rebellion in Marawi and to prevent its spread in the provinces of Mindanao,” Abella said.

He added that the executive branch will “need the cooperation of the entire government and the support of our people to finally flush out the evil forces, restore normalcy, and bring peace to the island of Mindanao.”

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao last week because of the Maute terrorist group, which briefly took over and burned down several establishments in Marawi City. IDL/rga