Martial Law in Mindanao

Insights of Martial Law in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines (First published on May 25, 6:55 p.m.) — President Rodrigo Duterte cited rebellion as motive for declaring martial law and suspending the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao through Proclamation 216. 

Brief introduction on ‘Martial Law’

The legal definition of Martial Law means that it is “a system of complete control by a country’s military over all activities, including civilians.”  Duterte is the second president of the Philippines to declare a ‘localized’ Martial Law, which means that it is only restricted in a particular place, and not in the whole country. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo previously declared Martial Law in 2009 during the Maguindanao massacre. 

Proclamation No. 216is the 2017 proclamation of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao, issued by Philippine PresidentRodrigo Duterte on May 23, 2017.  

On May 23, armed terrorist group Maute was reported to have attacked the province of Marawi in Lanao del Sur, Mindanao. This event has prompted President Duterte to declare Martial Law in Mindanao for 60 days, despite Lanao del Sur being the only affected area in the region. Other nearby provinces have been on full alert in case of any similar attacks.This declaration made by Duterte while he was in Moscow, Russia, was said to last for up to 60 days and would not be any different from what happened back in the proclamation of Martial Law in 1972. In a Facebook live interview with Duterte, he mentioned “it would not be any different from what the President Marcos did. I’d be harsh.” But what exactly do you need to know about Martial Law?

At press time, Duterte will be back in the Philippines from his trip to Russia, cutting his trip short to help in this ongoing tension in Marawi as AFP’s commander-in-chief. In relation to the terrorist attack in Marawi, AFP Public Affairs Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo has announced that the government forces are in full control, and have stabilized the situation in the area. The AFP also advised the public not to post anything on social media that may cause panic or confusion among people, especially the movements being made by the government so as not to interfere with the ongoing operations. 

      

DUTERTE; Martial Law in MIndanao  to continue until I am "SATISFIED"
conflict has ended.

In an interview with members of the press in Butuan City JUNE 18, Duterte said "MARTIAL WILL NOT END UNTIL THE SHOOTING STOP" and he added "HE WOULD HAVE ALLSEIZED ARMS OVER BY A BULLDOZER" 

Duterte commented that the rebel groups have a seemingly unending supply of impressive firearms which he said were funded by politicians as well as Maute drug money.

But he added, should the rebellion burn Mindanao and other parts of the country, he would declare martial law again. And it could be similar to the one declared by former President Ferdinand Marcos.

"This time, I will do it on my own to preserve my nation. I will not consult anybody and there is no telling when it will end. Wala na. Basta… then it could be a copycat of Marcos."

Duterte said that depositors of martial law keep on saying they want it to stop, but the people in the field know what's going on.

"If it's just plain terrorism, why don't they visit Marawi and convince the people to stop?"

Duterte also commented on Maranao leaders in Marawi and Lanao de Sur offering to talk to the Maute group to end the crisis.

"If they go to the Maute to talk about what? Surrender? Or make an arrangement? That's it?

 What happens next?

The constitution limits martial law to 60 days unless congress agrees to extend it. Duterte warned Wednesday it could last for a year.

The post-Marcos constitution imposed safeguards on martial law, including the requirement for congress to approve its imposition and extension. The Supreme Court can also rule on its legality.

However Duterte said in January he would ignore the constitutional safeguards if necessary, and may impose martial law across the nation.

“I don’t care about the Supreme Court… because the right to preserve one’s life and my nation, my country transcends everything else,” he said.