Marawi bishop says extending martial law in entire Mindanao unnecessary

November 23, 2017

Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña said he does not favor the proposal of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to extend martial law in Mindanao beyond 2017.

"For me, it’s unwise to still put the whole of Mindanao under martial law," said dela Peña.

He said this will spread belief that the whole region is chaotic.

"They feel like if something happened in one part of Mindanao, they usually think of the whole of Mindanao was a place that is at war. That is not true," said dela Peña.

He said majority of Mindanao,  such as Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos City, is peaceful.

"Zamboanga is very peaceful. Davao is safe. Cagayan de Oro is safe. Gen San is safe," said the prelate.

But dela Peña said he sees nothing wrong if martial law is extended in his own diocese and other areas still with hostilities.

"Perhaps, we can understand if it is extended in specific areas... Marawi, probably; Cotabato, perhaps," said dela Peña.

In May 23 President Rodrigo  Duterte issued Proclamation No. 216, which placed the whole of Mindanao under martial law for 60 days after clashes between government troops and Maute-Abu Sayyaf  terrorists in Marawi City, which lasted for five months.

Congress approved Duterte's request to keep Mindanao under martial law until December 31. DMS