The decision of the Supreme Court affirming the legality of President Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law extension in Mindanao was a proof of the high court’s “confidence” on law enforcement agencies, Malacañang said on Wednesday.
“The majority of votes is a manifestation of confidence on law enforcement agencies that they shall, like they had been doing before, continue to protect our people, secure Mindanao, and pursue the bigger task of rehabilitation while upholding the rule of law, human rights, and International Humanitarian Law,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
Voting 10-5 on Monday, the high tribunal dismissed the four consolidated petitions all saying there is no more need for a martial rule in Mindanao.
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“The Supreme Court’s decision affirming the further extension of the proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao underscores the unity of the whole government in its bid to defeat terrorism and prevent the spread in other parts of the country of DIWW and other like-minded local and foreign terrorist groups.,” Roque said.
In December 2017, Congress overwhelmingly approved the request of Duterte to extend martial law in Mindanao.
In his letter to Congress, Duterte cited the continued threat of terrorism and rebellion in the region, which makes Mindanao “the hotbed of rebellion.” /muf