AFP welcomes Supreme Court upholding martial law in Mindanao

July 4, 2017

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcome the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the legality of the declaration  by President Rodrigo Duterte of martial law in Mindanao. “The AFP is very glad and expresses its appreciation to the Supreme Court for the favorable ruling which is supportive of Martial Law in Mindanao,” AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ano said in a statement issued Tuesday. “The AFP takes this as a vote of confidence that we are doing what is right and what is necessary for the restoration of the rule of law, peace and order in the whole island,” he added. Ano also assures the military will remain committed to its constitutional mandate to protect the people and the state. “The mission is not yet done but we can assure our citizens that we are focused and determined to carry on the fight till peace and order in Mindanao is fully restored and the liberation of Marawi is achieved at the soonest time possible,” he added. Duterte declared the start of the implementation of martial law in Mindanao last May 23 when the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf attacked and occupied the city of Marawi. The two-month martial law that was declared by the president is expected to be finished before his State of the Nation Address on July 24. (Robina Asido/DMS)