Sec. Datu HJ. Abul Khayr D. Alonto, Mindanao Development Authority(MinDa) chairman supports the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao.
According to the Secretary, the implementation of Martial Law greatly helps in terms of security and help fast track the development of projects.
“This is the martial law that is being asked by the people, because it is asked by the people because it is safe to move around,” Alonto said in the press conference held at the MinDa Office on Friday.
He added that if there was no martial law in Mindanao, politicians might start to move around with their private armies.
“In our efforts in the development sector, this will fast track the developments because martial law addresses the security concerns in implementing the projects,” he said.
Based on the previous report, most of the local government units were recommending for the extension of the martial law.
“Maraming mga LGUs and government officials (Many LGU and government officials) who are looking for the extension,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. said in an interview during his visit at the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) Headquarters.
Based on his initial assessment, there are many positive impacts of Martial Law specially on security and economic development.
He said the assessment report of Eastmincom bared that the tourist arrivals in Davao City has also increased by up to 50 percent.
Galvez said the clamors from the local governments are the only proof the benefits of the implentation of Martial Law in Mindanao.
The AFP top official said he also noted that the “skeptics” and critics of Martial Law mostly comes from Manila and outside Mindanao who have not experience the current Martial Law implementation.
Galvez said the clamor to extend will be decided as soon as their assessment will be completed
