SWS: Most Pinoys back martial law extension

MANILA, Philippines — A majority of Filipinos support the extension of martial law in Mindanao until the end of the year, according to a recent survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The survey, taken from Sept. 23 to 27, found that 54 percent of Filipinos support the extension of martial law beyond the 60-day period as prescribed by the Constitution.

At least 30 percent of the 1,500 respondents disagreed with the extension while the remaining 16 percent were undecided.

The survey found that respondents who supported President Duterte’s decision to extend martial law was highest in Mindanao with 64 percent; followed by those in the Visayas, 54 percent; Metro Manila, 52 percent, and the rest of Luzon, 49 percent.

Metro Manila had the most number of respondents who disagreed with the extension of martial law with 36 percent; the Visayas, 32 percent; rest of Luzon, 31 percent, and Mindanao, 23 percent.

The SWS survey also showed that 54 percent of the respondents agreed with the decision of Congress to grant the President’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao. At least 28 percent disagreed while the remaining respondents were undecided.

The Senate and House of Representatives voted 261-18 in favor of the extension of martial law until Dec. 31  after more than eight hours in joint session last July 22.

The SWS said support for Congress’ decision was higher in urban areas, among men and those from higher socio-economic classes.

The President declared martial law on May 23 after Maute militants occupied parts of Marawi.

An earlier SWS survey showed a majority of Filipinos are in favor of martial law in Mindanao, but more than six out of 10 of them oppose its expansion to the Visayas and Luzon.