Another year of martial law won’t address ‘unrest’ in Mindanao—Suara Bangsamoro

DAVAO CITY — A militant Moro group slammed Congress and the Senate after lawmakers approved on Wednesday the extension of martial law in Mindanao, saying such extension would not address the social unrest in Mindanao.

Martial law is being used by the Duterte administration to prolong its stay in power, Suara said.

“The approval of the third extension of martial law in Mindanao will only empower Duterte’s never-ending lust for power and blood,” Suara Bangsamoro spokesperson Jerome Succor Aba said on Wednesday.

“This move to extend martial law for the third time is a frail attempt to cover up the Duterte government’s failure in addressing the unrest in Mindanao,” he added.

Aba said there was no actual threat of rebellion and insurgency to justify the extension of martial law in Mindanao.

“The true intention of martial law is to expel the Bangsamoro and lumad from their rich ancestral lands. His motive is to threaten and kill the protectors of ancestral lands and territories to pave the way for foreign and local corporations,” Aba said.

Aba said Duterte turned a blind eye on the gross human rights violations committed by soldiers and police under his rule. He said the extension of martial law in Mindanao would continue the attacks against civilians.

“Instead of being an answer to the peace and security problem in Mindanao, Martial law will be used as a tool to suppress legitimate dissent in Mindanao,” Aba said.