Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 31) — After a six-hour, closed-door briefing from top security and Cabinet officials, the House of Representatives on Wednesday decided to support the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
Solons from Mindanao said officials from the executive department were able to allay fears about a possible repeat of martial law abuses committed during the Marcos regime.
Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, chair of the Mindanao Affairs committee, said what the country had now was a different military than those during the Marcos era.
“We have full faith and confidence in their duties now that they can do it properly,” Rodriguez said.
Therefore, the lawmakers said there was no need to revoke Proclamation 216 on martial rule in the south.
Related: Senate backs martial law, junks call to convene joint session
Meanwhile, Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told them the crisis in Marawi might be settled soon.
“They reassured us that they are now in control… They even mentioned the day, Friday. By Friday everything should be normalized,” Atienza said.
For his part, Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate pointed out that the general order or the implementing rules of the proclamation stated that military operations included those against other rebel groups.
“(What we are worried about is) this will put in jeopardy the ongoing peace negotiations between the government, MILF, MNLF, and most especially with the NDF,” Zarate said.
The inclusion of operations against other rebel groups did not sit well with Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano.
“If that is the case, then one could declare martial law all over the country and while you are still (the President). If you think (the crisis) is not yet over,” Alejano said.
The closed-door meeting was prompted earlier when Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea told the lawmakers that they would rather have an executive briefing for the presentation of the military.
CNN Philippines’ Joyce Ilas contributed to this report.
