The police regional office of Davao assured the public that today’s Martial Law as declared by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be pro-people, to differentiate it from a 1972 edition imposed by former President Ferdinand Marcos.
The president declared Martial Law while he was in Russia, yesterday at around 10 o’clock in the evening.
PRO head Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan of Police Regional Office XI said there should be no cause for worry because the declaration of Martial Law was for the protection of the people against terrorism.
“We have learned our lessons from the Martial Law during the time of Marcos. As the regional director, I will make sure that there will be no abuses,” he said, adding it is useless to declare Martial Law if it would be disadvantageous to the people.
“Ang purpose ng pang impose ng ating Martial Law ay pangalagaan ang ating mamamayan, hindi i-harrass, hindi i-suppress,”Gaerlan told reporters on Wednesday.
He also assured the public that the PNP will not tolerate any abuses from the authorities with regard to the rights of the citizens.
Security in Davao Region
While awaiting the general guidelines from the office of the president, Gaerlan expressed that the Philippine National Police is ready to implement the general rules of Martial Law in Davao by working closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Eastern Mindanao Command and the 10th Infantry Division.
He has advised unit commanders of Region XI to beef up security measures to make sure of the safety of the people. He also said that checkpoints and control points will be placed in different areas, which includes major routes in and out of the city.
Gaerlan also called for the cooperation of the citizens to the military in implementing baggage and vehicle inspections.
“The checkpoints will be conducting thorough search. If there is a need to request, or order the occupants to get off, please submit yourselves for inspection. We need to inspect packages, bags, cargo boxes if necessary. Cooperate lang po. We expect delays in movement by land, by water or by sea,” he said.
He also mentioned that the airports will have tighter inspections to prevent the movement of possible terrorists going in the city.
Gaerlan revealed that he has requested the office of the Chief of Police the suspension of all permit to carry firearms outside residence in the whole of Davao Region and awaits for its approval.
On human rights and freedom of expression
The Police advised citizens to contact any persons in authority should there be any violation of human rights.
Gaerlan holds firm to his statement that today’s Martial Law will be different from the first one. He said that in the first Martial law, Republic Act 1700 or the Anti-Subversion act was imposed and was later repealed.
“Mere membership of CPP-NPA or any subversive organization is not illegal as of this time. Kahit ipagmalaki niya na miyembro siya ng Communist Party of the Philiipines, it’s not illegal.”
As for the rallies to be initiated, it will depend on how the activity would affect safety and security of the people.
“If the safety of a particular place or the general sec of the state is threatened by certain mass actions, then I think that will be covered by the provisions of enforcing martial law.”
On the issue of the warrantless arrests, Gen. Gaerlan clarified that they will still be based on evidence.
“Kung mayroon kang ginawa, we can implement warrantless arrest. If you possess firearm, we can arrest you. If you do something illegal at the presence of the military, pnp or there is a probable cause to arrest you, we will.”
He also encouraged media practitioners to be responsible in delivering news and spreading information while waiting for the president’s guidelines with regard to Martial Law.
“Hindi lahat ng nakakalap ninyong balita, totoo. Please verify the information first before spreading them.”
Martial Law, a temporary solution
Gaerlan said that Martial Law is only a temporary solution to the problem of Mindanao.
Martial law is declared due to some conditions and circumstances and is not permanent solution. 60 days nga lang, and still our constitution shall be enforced.
