Palace to review Davao council resolution on martial law

MANILA, Philippines — The resolution passed by the Davao City council will be among those  to be reviewed to determine if martial law in Mindanao will be lifted or extended again, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo also stressed the need to determine the circumstances that prompted the city council to approve the resolution.

“Ang problema... kasi when you declare martial law, kailangan iyong buong lugar,”  Panelo said.

“If you are trying to suppress violence or rebellion, baka lilipat lang iyon sa kabila, eh di ganoon pa rin iyon. Baka may problema ka rin doon,” he said.

The resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Davao on Tuesday urged President Duterte to lift martial law in the city, saying its continued implementation is detrimental to trade and investment.

The President’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said martial law should be lifted in the city due to concerns raised by prospective investors.

Panelo said Malacañang has yet to get a copy of the resolution, adding that he has yet to ask the President’s stand on the matter.

Duterte had earlier said his decision on whether to lift martial law would be based on the recommendation of security and local government officials as well as the sentiment of stakeholders in the region.

The Davao City council is the first that called for the lifting of martial law since it was declared in Mindanao on May 23, 2017.

Congress twice approved its extension  to neutralize the threat of terrorism in the region. Martial law will be in effect in Mindanao until the end of the year.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government said martial law could be lifted in certain areas where there is no imminent threat from lawless groups.