Mindanao martial law nears 60-day legal limit

  • Page Views 2112
  • It will be up for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte whether or not to extend martial law in the southern region of Mindanao.

    Martial law in Mindanao was declared by Duterte on May 23 after clashes broke out in Marawi City between government security forces and Islamic militants that include the Maute group.

    The Philippine Constitution provides that the President can impose martial law for a period of 60 days.

    Defense  Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on July 16 said he has submitted his assessment on the implementation of martial law to Duterte, who will then decide military rule in Mindanao should be extended.

    Duterte is expected to announce a decision on the extension of the martial law in Mindanao before it lapses on July 22, or two days before his second State of the Nation Address.

    In a statement issued by the Defense department, Lorenzana, chairman of the Task Force Bangon Marawi to rebuild and rehabilitate the war-torn city, said the work ahead after the fighting is even more daunting given the extent of damage done to the city.

    “We earnestly look forward to the end of fighting because we want our Maranao brothers and sisters who have left their homes to go back, reconstitute their interrupted lives and partner with us on how we can rebuild Marawi into a better and more beautiful city,” Lorenzana said.

    Government forces on July 16 continued to press their offensive Sunday against the remnants of the Maute group that overran Marawi City, clearing 60 more buildings previously used by the extremists.

    The military estimated there were only 60 terrorists left in the city, after killing 405 of them since fighting broke out on May 23.

    As the fighting entered its ninth week, government officials warned residents not to return to their homes yet as their safety could not be guaranteed.

    As of July 15, government casualties had reached 95, while civilians killed by the terrorists stood at 45.

    Armed Forces public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo sad 1,723 civilians have been rescued from the battle zone.

    Malacanang urged Marawi residents to wait for the fighting to stop before returning to their homes in the war-torn city.

    “We understand the sentiments of the residents of Marawi wanting to return home after being forced to flee from the city,” said presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella.

    “The government, however, is concerned with the safety and welfare of all civilians, especially women and children,” said Abella.

    “There is no assurance that areas outside the main battle zone are already safe to live in, as cases of stray bullet victims have been reported. In addition, the clearing of the entire city of Marawi of IEDs [improvised explosive devices] and booby traps left by terrorists, unexploded ordnance and other explosives is still ongoing,” said Abella.

    A group of women earlier said they planned to head back to the city on July 24, the day President Rodrigo Duterte was to deliver his second State of the Nation Address.

    “Any right-minded Maranao and the internally displaced person should go if only to show the world that we are coming home. We have been suffering in evacuation centers,” said Bai Sittie Marohomsar, a 52-year-old evacuee who echoed sentiments typically expressed by others displaced by the Marawi conflict.

    Marohomsar said they just want to go home.

    Share

    New Posts Recently publish post More

    • 24 September 2023
      5 days ago No comment

      Kumukuti-kutitap: Paskong Pinoy Shines in New Westminster

      Vancouver, BC – September 16, 2023 – Christmas comes early in Metro Vancouver as the Filipino- Canadian community will be in for a treat to the first Kumukuti-kutitap: Paskong Pinoy 2023. The main event will highlight the Parol-Making Workshop to be hosted by the New Westminster Philippine Festival Society. ...

    • 24 September 2023
      5 days ago No comment

      2 Filipino films playing at VIFF

      This year, 2 films telling stories of Filipino characters are playing at the upcoming Vancouver International Film Festival. Paris Zarcilla’s Raging Grace and Seán Devlin’s Asog will be shown during the 42nd edition of VIFF! The Vancouver International Film Festival is one of the 5 largest film festivals in ...

    • 24 September 2023
      5 days ago No comment

      B.C. moves to increase housing supply, deliver more homes faster

      New measures are coming to B.C. that will help create more housing as the Province speeds up permitting and helps build more secondary suites for rent. “People in our province deserve a decent place to live they can actually afford to rent or buy, but a chronic housing shortage ...

    • 24 September 2023
      5 days ago No comment

      Netflix Philippines drops first-ever Station ID

      Netflix Philippines drops first-ever Station ID featuring Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, other stars Netflix Philippines is celebrating Christmas early this year as the streaming service released its Christmas-themed Station ID via its social media channels on Monday, September 18. The video—titled “Kumukutikutitap ang Mga Bituin sa Brgy. Netflix!“— features ...

    • 24 September 2023
      5 days ago No comment

      “Senior High” now available for free and on-demand in US, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and Australia

      Available only on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel Mondays will always be on a high as viewers worldwide can now enjoy binge-watching ABS-CBN’s trending mystery-thriller series, “Senior High” starring Andrea Brillantes, which is now available for free and on-demand only on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel. Kapamilyas in the US, Canada, ...

    %d bloggers like this: