MANILA, July 12 — The result of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed that the public believes the basis of President Rodrigo Duterte when he declared martial law in Mindanao, Malacañang said Wednesday.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the latest SWS survey which showed 57 percent of Filipinos back the declaration also validates the earlier opinion poll where the President got a “very good” net satisfaction rating.
“The positive public response indicates that they believe the factual and legal basis of the proclamation of martial law for Mindanao; which includes the Maute Group’s attempt to remove allegiance from the government and to deprive the Chief Executive of his powers to enforce the laws and maintain public order and safety,” Abella said.
“Hence, the need for the call of Martial Law, in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, as provided by the Constitution,” he said.
The survey was conducted one month after President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law and suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the region after the Islamic-State-inspired Maute group, aided by foreign Islamist fighters and local extremists, laid siege to Marawi City in an attempt to establish an IS ‘wilayat’ or province in the capital of Lanao del Sur.
In the SWS survey conducted June 23–26, 92 percent of respondents nationwide said that they were aware that President Duterte has declared martial law in Mindanao.
Fifty-seven percent of those who are aware said it was the right decision; 29 percent said that martial law should have been declared only for Marawi City and the Province of Lanao del Sur; and 11 percent said that it should have been declared only for Marawi City, the Province of Lanao del Sur, and nearby provinces.
However, the same SWS survey indicated that 63 percent of those who are aware opposed the idea that Duterte should also declare Martial Law in Visayas.
As for a martial law declaration in Luzon, 67 percent said they are opposed to the idea.
On this, Abella pointed out that martial law declaration in any part of the country depends on the recommendation of security forces based on their assessment of the situation in the area.
“As to the same survey showing that majority, except in Mindanao, opposes expanding martial law in Luzon and in the Visayas, it is noteworthy to mention that all these would depend on the situation on the ground as assessed and recommended by military and police authorities,” Abella said. (PNA)
