Amid unrest in Marawi, Poe calls for vigilance, prayers

Senator Grace Poe. PHOTO FROM SEN. GRACE POE’S OFFICE

Amid questions raised before the Supreme Court, Senator Grace Poe called on the public on Tuesday to remain vigilant and ensure that authorities would implement marital law “in strict accordance with the Constitution.”

Poe talked about President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao when she spoke at a gathering of some 100 teachers at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.

“Before we end, I would like to say something about what is going on in Marawi. The conflict may be happening in Mindanao which is about a thousand kilometers away from Manila. However, as a fellow Filipino, I am sure these events have given all of us concern. In fact, I have been deeply saddened by reports of houses, schools, and universities burned, ordinary civilians, including our fellow teachers, killed,” she said in her keynote speech at the Sinag Teachers Summit organized by the Sun Life Financial Philippines.

READ: Dozens flee terrorists in war-torn Marawi

“I am certain that your students will be looking up to you, to shed light on these events. Teachers mold us and in the process, shape our future. Let your students know that the Constitution has given us the tools to address this issue.”

“Our President has chosen to place the whole of Mindanao under martial law in order to quell the alleged rebellion. But let us remember that our Constitution has also provided safeguards,” said the senator, who led the probe on the botched Mamasapano incident as former head of the Senate committee on public order.

Poe stressed that without a doubt, all citizens still have rights under martial law.

“For instance, no one may be arrested without a warrant; and no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. Freedom of speech, expression, and of the press, cannot be curtailed,” she said.

“So I urge members of this audience who have the benefit of higher education and are leaders in your own communities to remain vigilant during this period to ensure that the authorities will implement martial law in strict accordance with the Constitution.”

The senator also asked the people to pray for “genuine peace” in war-torn Marawi City in Lanao del Sur and the rest of Mindanao.

Duterte declared martial law in the region last May 23 amid  armed conflict between government troops and ISIS- inspired Maute Group.

Poe was among the 17 of 23 senators, who supported martial law but she was also one of nine senators who wanted Congress to deliberate in joint session the declaration. But voting 12-9, the Senate junked the minority’s bid for a joint session. IDL/rga

READ: Voting 12-9, Senate ditches minority’s bid for joint session to tackle  martial law

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