Marawi freed but martial law remains
October 17, 2017 | 1:51pm
A military vehicle passes bombed-out buildings inside the battle area of Bangolo district in Marawi on October 17, 2017. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on October 17 declared a southern city "liberated from terrorists' influence" but the military said the five-month battle against militants loyal to the Islamic State group was not yet over. Ted Aljibe/AFP
MANILA, Philippines — Martial law in Mindanao may not be lifted immediately even after the death of terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute as the military still has to address what it described as the “greater threat” posed by the network of extremists.
Armed Forces spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said martial law needs to be retained in some parts of Mindanao because of the existence of terrorist networks.
“We would like to assure the public that we all look forward to the return to normalcy of every part of Mindanao,” Padilla said.
“But there is a greater threat here that needs to be addressed and the need for the maintenance of martial law in some parts is really important because of the network, the existence of the network of all these terrorist groups,” he added.
Duterte declared martial law on May 23 after Maute terrorists laid siege in Marawi City, held hostage several civilians and burned several buildings.
Officials claimed that the militants who occupied Marawi conspired with drug lords and narco politicians to stage a rebellion against the government.
Critics have expressed concerns that the military rule could pave way to abusive practices and the suppression of liberties.
Padilla said martial law would allow government forces to quickly curb the threats posed by about 30 extremists who are still in Marawi.
“It is something that we need to do in order to address quickly and adequately those threats that are looming in the horizon or in the environment that may result to the harm of innocents like what happened in Marawi,” the military spokesman said.
Padilla said it would be up to the president to decide whether to lift military rule in the island.
“From the side of the military, although this is a political decision, we will make appropriate recommendations,” he said.
Padilla stressed that law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear about military rule. He said the government would consider the views of stakeholders in making decisions on martial law.
“What we want to convey to the public and for them to understand is that there will be a consultation. The president will allow the Armed Forces and other security agencies to air their side and to make recommendations, appropriate recommendations,” Padilla said.
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