A humane, lawful and friendly Martial Law

DAVAO ORIENTAL (DAVOR) — Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang and top officials of the Philippine Army and the police in the province have assured the people of Davao Oriental that the implementation of Martial Law in the province will be “completely different from the Marcos martial law” as they vowed to prevent any violations of human rights. The top officials of the Philippine Army and the police in the province said they “will abide by the rule of law and protect and respect the inviolable human rights of our people.”

During an emergency meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council called by the Governor on May 26, 2017, the members of the council, including municipal mayors, expressed their concerns and sought clarifications from the top military officials in the province on the processes of implementing martial law in the province. In an earlier statement, Governor Dayanghirang expressed his “full support” to the President’s martial law declaration, saying “I trust the wisdom of the President to place Mindanao under Martial Law. Our President has assured us that martial law is meant to ensure the safety of the general public. Let us also continue to sow the seeds of peace so we may reap the fruits of peace in the future.”

Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade Commander, Col. Reuben Basiao, stressed that today’s martial law will be a ‘friendly’ Martial Law, allaying the fears of the people that it might be reminiscent to the horrors of Marcos martial law. He said “There is a big difference between the 1972 Martial Law and the one being enforced today,” emphasizing that the Martial Law under the new Constitution contains provisions that protects the rights of the people and only intends to safeguard the safety and security of the people. He assured that the observance of the law will not supplant the function of the civil courts.

Meanwhile, Governor Dayanghirang called on the mayors and the barangay officials to take advantage of the law to help cleanse the ranks of government who are into the drug business and those who are supporting the rebellion. Further guidelines were issued for the local officials and the general public in the observance of the Martial Law. (thru PIO Karen Lou Deloso)