COTABATO CITY — Local officials here and in nearby Maguindanao province are strongly supporting the extension of martial law in Mindanao for one year, citing it has done good things for their respective constituents in this part of the country.
In separate statements, both Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi and Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu raised a resounding “yes” when asked about the matter.
“The martial law declaration earlier this year has done so much on the peace and order situation of this city, so I am for its extension,” Guiani-Sayadi said.
The mayor’s stand was supported by the city’s 37-member Liga ng Mga Barangay who signed a manifesto expressing their support to the move.
Police records indicated that crime rate dropped by over 50 percent in the city following the martial law declaration on May 23 this year by President Rodrigo Duterte.
In Maguindanao, provincial officials said peace and order had also improved much following the curtailment of big-time illegal drug operations and the series of successful military campaign against the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
“I agree on the extension of martial law because it is the best option for Maguindanao and Mindanao as a whole right now,” Mangudadatu said.
In North Upi, Maguindanao, town officials, through its municipal peace and order council, has passed separate resolutions Monday supporting the continuing war on drugs and martial law extension.
The President declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23 this year after the Maute and Abu Sayyaf terror groups took siege of Marawi City.
The battle to retake Marawi by government forces from the hands of the terrorists ended on Oct. 23 following the deaths of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Isnilon Hapilon and Maute ringleader Omar Maute.
Congress, upon the request of the President, has earlier approved the implementation of martial law in Mindanao up to Dec. 31, 2017 due to the Marawi war.
On Dec. 8, the President has asked Congress to extend further the declaration of martial law in Mindanao for the whole year of 2018, on efforts to sustain the momentum on eliminating terror groups and eradicate illegal drugs on the island. (PNA)