Press Release
May 24, 2017

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao

The Duterte government must see to it that the Maute group is held responsible for its dastardly act of violence against our fellow countrymen and women. Terrorism and other senseless acts of violence have no place in our society.

Thus, I commend the brave men and women of our uniformed service who are fulfilling their duty to protect the lives of our people from the Maute group's act of terror. They risk their lives for our safety. They deserve our utmost support.

However, may I remind the Duterte government that in times of crisis, its actions must be measured even as they are prompt and decisive.

In this spirit, I urge President Duterte to explain the reason why Martial Law was declared over the whole of Mindanao, including Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi. I await his written report to the legislature, which has the power to approve and revoke the said declaration.

But this early I want to raise several concerns regarding President Duterte's declaration of Martial Law in the south.

First, I'm afraid that placing the entire Mindanao under martial law might be highly disproportionate. It may not be a measured response to the threat posed by the Maute group, which is still confined within Marawi. By placing the entire Mindanao under Martial Law, the government might play to the script of the Maute group and contribute to an environment of fear and violence that will further serve the interests of the lawless elements.

Second, I fear the implementation of Martial law in the hands of a government that has a low regard for human rights. If the people's human rights are wantonly violated under peace time, what more under martial law? How can the government ensure that the rights of the public are not violated in the implementation of Martial law in Mindanao?

Third, I hope that the declaration of martial law in the south is not being used to cover up the government's alleged failure of intelligence in combatting terrorism. As early as 2016, President Duterte disclosed that the Maute Group had threatened to burn Marawi City if the AFP would not stop its military offensives. What did the government do with this intelligence report?

I urge President Duterte to adhere to the principle of proportionality and responsibility in addressing this serious security concern. There is no doubt that the Maute group should be punished for its atrocities. This however should not be done at the expense of the people's basic rights.

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