The extension of the Martial Law in Mindanao is seen is deemed important in the rehabilitation of Marawi City.
In a draft statement, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) secretary Datu Abul Khayr Dangcal Alonto said that the Martial Law extension granted by Congress is necessary in the ongoing rehabilitation activities of the city.
He also said that there is a need to ensure security against the persistent threat of rebellion.
“The agency further believes that Martial Law is needed to safeguard, sustain and contine the gains of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s program of addressing violent, extremism, drug menace and corruption already felt in Mindanao as it is able to provide a framework of peace which facilitated growth in this part of the country,” Alonto said.
He said that Duterte only wanted to restore peace, security and order in the island, in order to prevent another insurgency, as what happened to Marawi in 2017.
Alonto said that the extension will not affect the economic activities in Mindanao.
“Amidst Martial Law declaration, trade and business remain upbeat, investment interests continue to grow, and major infrastructure projects are effectively rolled out,” Alonto said.
The Congress granted the extension of Martial Law until the end of 2019, as requested by President Duterte.
Duterte, through a letter, asked Congress to allow the extension to suppress terrorist groups that “continue to defy the government by perpetrating hostile activities.”
