Minority senators vow to oppose martial law extension in Mindanao

Soldiers approach flattened structures in Marawi City. INQUIRER file photo / JEOFFREY MAITEM

Minority senators vowed on Saturday to oppose any move to extend martial law in Mindanao, noting that the government should instead focus on efforts to rehabilitate the war-torn Marawi City.

“We propose that the martial law in Mindanao be lifted as soon as possible so that we can all focus on the rehabilitation of the devastated lives and livelihoods of the people of Marawi City and nearby areas,” the Senate Minority bloc said in a statement.

READ: Palace to decide whether or not to extend martial law in Mindanao

“We oppose any move to extend military rule in Mindanao beyond the December 31 deadline granted by Congress,” they added.

The minority senators are composed of Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Risa Hontiveros, and Antonio Trillanes IV.

The senators said that with Marawi City’s liberation from the Maute terror group, there was no more reason to extend martial law in the region. The government, the senators said, should instead fast-track the rehabilitation of the city to help the Maranaos get back on their feet again.

“Mismong militar na ang nagdeklarang malaya na ang Marawi City mula sa kuko ng teroristang Maute kaya wala nang dahilan pa upang palawigin ang batas militar sa rehiyon. Ang sinasabing banta sa kaayusan at krimen ay maaari nang tugunan ng mga pulis,” the senators said.

(The military has already declared Marawi City free from the claws of the terrorist Maute group so there are no more reasons to extend martial law in the region. The threats to peace and order can just be addressed by the police.)

“Instead of focusing on extending martial law, the government should train its sights on the quick rehabilitation of Marawi City so our Maranao brothers and sisters can resume their normal lives at the soonest possible time,” the senators said.

“The minority in the Senate is ready to support government plans and programs to bring Marawi City back on its feet,” they noted.

Task Force Bangon Marawi chief Eduardo del Rosario on Friday backed the extension of martial law up until the rehabilitation phase of Marawi City to ensure the continuous reconstruction of the city, following reports of massive recruitment of Islamic State-inspired terror groups. /jpv