Maranao to be named civilian spokesman for martial law matters

MANILA, Philippines -  The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) will name a civilian Maranao spokesperson to discuss updates on martial law in Mindanao following criticisms that the government had issued conflicting statements about the situation in Marawi City. 

“In this time of crisis, it is strategically wise for us to expand our communications language from national to regional in order to avoid marginalizing those who are most affected by the declaration of martial law,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said yesterday. 

PCOO has yet to appoint the civilian spokesperson. 

Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law last week after terrorists from the Maute group staged a series of attacks in Marawi City. 

During the early days of martial law in Mindanao, officials issued conflicting statements on the situation in the province.

For instance, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Islamic State (IS) was responsible for the attacks but the military claimed the extremist group has no presence in the country. 

Lorenzana also reported that the militants occupied the city hall, a claim disputed by Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra. 

President Duterte likewise claimed that Maute group terrorists had beheaded Malabang Police chief Romeo Enriquez. The police official later told a news wire agency that he was safe. 

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the Maranao spokesperson would not be under his office. 

“There is nothing final yet. There are still discussions among offices. The recommendations to have a Maranao spokesperson stemmed from PCOO’s desire to have a point man in Iligan,” Abella said. 

The designation of a martial law spokesperson was in line with PCOO’s plan to create a “Mindanao Hour” communications center in Davao City. All information from affected areas will be sent to the communications center and to Malacañang before dissemination to the media. 

Daily press conferences will be held in Davao while briefings will be conducted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Malacañang.

The Mindanao Hour Communications Center in Davao will be led by Andanar while the information hub in Iligan will be headed by Philippine Information Agency director general Harold Clavite. 

 – With Edith Regalado