Sara wants martial law lifted in Davao, Samal

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio wants martial law, which is in effect in Mindanao, lifted in Davao City and Samal Island.

“If martial law is in place, it must be strictly implemented, wherein the military takes over and there will no longer be any court or the office of the mayor does not function anymore. But that is not the case with Davao City where everything is in place,” Carpio said. 

She said ambassadors during a recent business conference in this city expressed their view on the need to exempt Davao City from martial law.

Carpio said the ambassadors sounded off the concern of prospective investors over the higher cost of doing business when an area is under martial law.

Carpio said the Island Garden City of Samal, which is a popular tourists destination, should also be exempted from martial law .

She said she discussed the matter with military and other security officials, but not with President Duterte. “I’m sure he knows about it as he is briefed on the situation on the ground by intelligence officers,” Carpio said.