By Nef Luczon/PNA
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Members of the Regional Peace and Order Council in Northern Mindanao (RPOC-10) unanimously passed a resolution on Monday in support of the extension of martial law in Mindanao.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, RPOC-10 chairman, reiterated his support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to place the island under martial rule as the Marawi City siege broke out more than a year ago.
A lawyer by profession, Moreno expressed confidence that the current martial law is different from the one implemented during the Marcos-era, noting that it has preserved and protected the Constitutional rights of Mindanaoans.
“In fact, the way I look at it, this is more of a defensive (tool), and (it sends) a strong message (against) those who might engage in terrorism,” the mayor said.
He also said the city’s Barangay Tanod (village enforcers) have complemented the police and military forces in maintaining peace and order in communities.
The RPOC-10 is composed of local government heads, with police and military officers, in Northern Mindanao region.
Aside from passing the resolution, the members also discussed key issues, mostly relating to local-based terrorist groups, and agreed to maintain stringent checkpoints in their respective areas.
