Public support for martial law validates AFP action in Mindanao—Padilla

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was elated by the result of a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that majority of Filipinos support the martial law declaration in Mindanao.

READ: Majority of Filipinos back Duterte’s martial law – SWS

AFP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said on Wednesday that the support given by majority of Filipinos to martial law bolsters the military’s conviction that what they are doing is right and in accordance with the Constitution.

“Napakaganda pong balita ito at aming pong tinatanggap ito nang malugod kasi ito po ang pinagmumulan ng ating inspirasyon at ating determinasyon na tapusin lahat ng kaguluhan na ‘to. At ‘yun pong suporta ng taumbayan ay malaking bagay po sa bawat sundalo pong naninilbihan dyan sa Mindanao,” AFP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer on Wednesday.

(This is good news and we welcome this development because it serves as an inspiration and determination to end all these violence. And the people’s support means a lot to every soldier, who is fighting in Mindanao)

Padilla issued his sentiments in reaction to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from June 23 to 26 where 57 percent of the 1,200 respondents backed martial law in Mindanao amid ongoing armed conflicts between the government force and the terrorist Maute group in Marawi City.

READ: Latest SWS survey on Filipinos supporting martial law elates Palace

“Hindi po katulad noong araw na karamihan ay kinokondena an ginagawa natin. Ngayon po ay sinasang-ayunan ng taumbayan ang ating ginagawang mga operasyon. Isa itong pagpapatibay na ginagawa natin ang tama at tinutupad natin ang ating mandato sa loob ng konstitusyon, which is to protect the Filipino people and to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the Republic,” the military official added.

(Unlike in the past where many were condemning what we were doing. The people now are supporting our operations. This proves that what we’re doing is right and that we follow our mandate as provided for in the Constitution)

The military, Padilla said, is ready to submit to the President its recommendation on the possibility of extending martial law in Mindanao.

President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law in the entire region of Mindanao on May 23 and the declaration is set to expire on July 22. Rogelio Nato, Jr., INQUIRER.net trainee/JE/ JPV