Muslim group chair wants Mindanao martial law extended

Local government and military officials in Mindanao say the declaration of martial law on the island has boosted the government’s campaign against unlicensed firearms. This photo shows firearms turned over to the military by several mayors in Sulu on March 6, 2018. (File photo by JULIE ALIPALA / Inquirer Mindanao)

MANILA, Philippines — The chairman of the Metro Manila Muslim Community for Justice and Peace said he would ask for an extension of martial law in Mindanao as it had brought peace in the region.

“Our stand on Mindanao is very clear: Extend martial law in the whole of Mindanao,” Datu Basher Alonto, speaking in Filipino, said during the Balitaan sa Maynila forum on Sunday. “This is the medicine that I have seen in the two years that we have had martial law. What happened was so good.”

According to Alonto, martial law resulted in fewer violent incidents in last May midterm elections in the region.

“If only everyone in Mindanao would remain radical,” he said. “I can see that in Mindanao it’s as if there’s no law, no government. So we’re grateful that we have a President who thinks of what should be done.”

“We can see what happened during martial law in Mindanao. It has been very good. There was no harassment. The laws have been implemented,” he added.

Last Tuesday, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said he would recommend the extension of martial law in Mindanao for another year due to the sustained rebellion in the region.

Mindanao has been under martial law since the Marawi City siege started on May 23, 2017.

READ: One more year of martial law in Mindanao pushed

/atm