The Philippine Army assured on Thursday focused military operations will continue to ensure peace and order in the areas under its jurisdiction despite the lifting of Martial Law in Mindanao.
The military supported the non-extension of martial law at the end of the year.
Captain Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, told Edge Davao that focused military operations, re-tooled community support program (CSP), intelligence gathering and stakeholders engagement will continue to ensure that Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) will have no place to roam and conduct their atrocious plans.
“The10ID supports the decision of our leaders, on the national level on non- extension of Martial Law. In order to maintain security posture,” Lamosao said.
He added that the 10ID through Peace and Order Councils and different Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), incorporate its security plans to the Local Government Units (LGUs) security measures and initiatives.
“We are confident that our local chief executives are on top of every situation given our continuous collaboration and exchange of information in terms of maintaining and being proactive in conducting peace and security operations,” he said.
In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which was among security-related agencies that were consulted as to whether or not martial law will be extended or not, was pleased that its recommendation for the non-extension of martial law was considered by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The AFP cited several reasons like improved security climate in Mindanao, the continues decline of the Daesh-inspired local terrorist groups, and to further promote an environment more conducive to economic activities as it did in terms of increase in trade and commerce in Mindanao.
The AFP also vowed to continue to collaborate with local chief executives, and the people in the communities in the conduct of its current activities to sustain these gains brought about by martial law as well as pursue its advocacy towards the amendment of the Human Security Act into an Anti-Terrorism Law that will not be too restrictive to security forces but has more teeth to prevent or counter terrorism.
Meantime, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc (DCCCII) expressed full confidence in the military and police in maintaining the peace and security of Mindanao so that the high growth and development today will even accelerate to a faster pace believing that there are no more impediments in doing business in Davao City.
“I welcome the non- extension of Martial Law in Mindanao by the President. I recall during the Davao ICon 2019 last June, the lifting of Martial Law was one of the issues raised by the foreign diplomats and delegates to Mayor Sara during their dialogue because of their interest to explore opportunities to invest in Davao and Mindanao. Martial Law was preventing the foreign nationals from travelling to Mindanao including Davao City because of the negative travel advisory issued by their governments. Mayor Sara seeing the importance of investments in the peace and development of Davao and Mindanao endorsed the request to President Duterte,” DCCCII president Arturo Milan said.
