Rody: Martial Law stays until all enemies wiped out

MANILA, Philippines - After the Supreme Court (SC) affirmed the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, President Duterte yesterday maintained military rule in the region would remain in effect “until all enemies of the state” are wiped out.

Duterte justified the declaration of martial law and said he might extend the declaration beyond the 60-day validity provided for in the Constitution.

He explained that the decision would be made based on the consensus of his security advisers, citing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año and Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.

Duterte justified the imposition of martial law in Mindanao, saying he had been consistent in warning about the impending breakout of violence in the region and that he might use drastic measures to address the security issues.

“The attacks happened now… they forgot that months before I’m warning the nation, ‘Do not force my hand into it’ because if I declare martial law, I will put an end to this... for as long as there is one terrorist there in Marawi, (military operations) will not stop,” he said.

Duterte said his decision to declare martial law was prompted by the critical situation in Marawi City.

Hundreds of Maute militants, flying the black flag of the Islamic State (IS) and backed by foreign fighters, seized swathes of Marawi City on May 23, sparking bloody street battles and raising regional concern.

The fighting prompted Duterte to declare martial law across Mindanao in the bid to contain the Islamic militants who wanted to carve out a caliphate in the region.

The proclamation was issued in Moscow, where he had to cut short his state visit.

He said he knew he had to do something when told the situation in Marawi was “critical.”

Duterte criticized the SC magistrates who went against the majority ruling that affirmed his declaration of martial law.

“The word critical is my standard. The word critical for you might not be critical (to some) of the justices of the Supreme Court. They do not know the real situation,” he said.

Duterte earlier hinted at extending martial law while he moved to boost the morale of soldiers during a taped TV message the other night.

“I urge you to remain steadfast and alert as martial law in Mindanao will remain in effect to counter the persistent threat of terrorism and insurgency,” Duterte said, addressing the troops in a taped message aired late Monday on state-run PTV-4.

Duterte reiterated his call to the troops to relentlessly pursue the terrorists.

“I enjoin the operating troops to carry on until our objective of wiping out these enemies of the state and the people has been achieved,” he said.

Duterte, who has been prevailed upon by his security advisers from going to war-torn Marawi City, commended the troops fighting the Maute terrorists.

“I am commending our troops of the Republic of the Philippines on the ground for your relentless effort and determination in our goal to retake the city of Marawi from the Maute group and the other local terrorist groups,” he said.

A vote of confidence

Dela Rosa, for his part, said he is inclined to recommend another 60-day implementation of martial law in Mindanao.

“The way things are going, the situation in Marawi is not yet stabilized and so we might recommend to extend martial law for the rehabilitation phase of Marawi,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa said he and Año agreed that in the event President Duterte sought their opinion, they will recommend its extension.If the situation improves, Dela Rosa said they might change their position.“Things may vary as days go by. Maybe the situation would get better so there would be no problem. Why extend martial law if there is no problem?” he added.Año, for his part, said the SC ruling is also a vote of confidence in the military establishment.

“The AFP is very glad and expresses its appreciation to the Supreme Court for the favorable ruling which is supportive of martial law in Mindanao,” he said.

“The AFP takes this as a vote of confidence that we are doing what is right and what is necessary for the restoration of the rule of law, peace and order and in the whole island. We remain committed to our mandate to protect the people and the integrity and sovereignty of our country,” he said.

Año said the mission is not yet done but assured citizens the military is focused and determined to carry out the fight until peace and order in Mindanao is fully restored.

As for Lorenzana, he said the defense department will be making the recommendation whether to extend or end martial law in Mindanao.

“In a couple of weeks, we will make our recommendations. We are still studying the situation on the ground not only in Lanao del Sur but all over Mindanao,” he said.

When Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law, he designated Lorenzana as the administrator, with Año as enforcer.

Lorenzana said he was gratified by the SC decision on martial law.

“Personally, I am happy that the Supreme Court has found legal basis so that we can continue our job properly until the end of martial law, which is 23 July,” he said.

Under Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution, the President as commander-in-chief can place the country or any part of it under martial law or suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in case of rebellion or invasion, when the public safety requires it.

The President is mandated to submit within 48 hours of declaration a report to Congress. The period cannot exceed 60 days. –  With Edith Regalado, Jaime Laude, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Lino de la Cruz