by Ferdinand Patinio/PNA
MANILA — A Mindanao bishop on Wednesday expressed support for the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to uphold the constitutionality of President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2019.
According to Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad, those who are not from the northern part of the Philippines would not understand why there’s a need to have military rule there.
“Mindanao needs Martial Law. This is good for us here. Others may not understand us but if u live in Mindanao then your eyes will be opened “why”,” he said in an interview.
The Catholic prelate added that they trust members of the military and noted how professional they are in performing their task in keeping the region peaceful.
“We trust our men in Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). We witness how professional the way they perform their work as peace-keepers,” Jumoad said.
With this, the head of the Archdiocese of Ozamiz called on the people of Mindanao, regardless of religion, to work for peace to reign in the area.
“Our role now is to pray for the conversion of terrorists and may the people of Mindanao, Muslims, Lumads and Christians work for peace and harmony,” he said. “Let us respect one another regardless of faith convictions.”
On Tuesday, the High Tribunal, voting 9-4, upheld the constitutionality of PRRD’s order to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of this year.
