Zamboanga Peninsula security council backs martial law, national ID
June 8, 2017 | 8:00am
A Philippine Army KM-450 utility truck. Philstar.com/Jonathan de Santos, file
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Zamboanga Peninsula leaders have expressed strong support for the declaration of martial law in Mindanao to fight terrorism and crime.
The Regional Peace and Order Council 9, chaired by Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, also backs the proposal for a national identification (ID) system.
Salazar said the RPOC's support was expressed in a resolution passed Wednesday during the second quarter meeting held in this city.
The resolution supporting the martial law declaration was proposed by Zamboanga del Norte Gov. Roberto Uy’s representative, Andrew Noralle.
The RPOC members believe that the Mindanao-wide declaration of martial law on May 23 in response to the clashes in Marawi in Lanao del Sur will help address security concerns in this part of the country, Salazar said.
The council noted tighter security and higher alert levels since the Maute group and a faction of the Abu Sayyaf attacked Marawi and the declaration of martial law.
Last month, Mindanao business leaders also said they support martial law because they believe it will create a more inviting climate for investors.
The declaration of martial law has also been met with overwhelming support from Congress, which did away with holding a joint session to discuss the declaration. There have been a handful of rallies protesting martial law, but no real opposition to it.
Salazar said the RPOC also unanimously approved a resolution expressing the support for a national ID system and a mandatory registration of prepaid SIM cards for mobile phones and gadgets.
Prepaid SIM cards are readily available and sales are unregulated.
The national ID system and SIM card registration were proposed by National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Assistant Regional Director Hernie Mabalo.
Salazar said the RPOC believes that the national ID system and SIM card registration being pushed by lawmakers would be a deterrent to crimes and terrorism.
According to Salazar, security council also discussed the ongoing anti-insurgency campaign, security situation and the anti-illegal drugs situation in Zamboanga Peninsula.
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