The declaration of martial law in Mindanao is more than a regional crisis. Make no mistake about it; this is a crisis whose magnitude is national in scope owing to the widespread lawlessness and criminal violence prevailing in every sector of society. This is not just in Mindanao in the wake of the Maute terrorists attack on Marawi City in Lanao del Sur. There are ambuscades committed by the communist New People’s Army in other parts of the country even as the Duterte government is waging a brutal and relentless war on illegal drugs.
That martial law could be extended to the Visayas and even Luzon was indicated by President Rodrigo Duterte himself who said declaring martial law throughout the country is an option if the situation calls for it. This means that if the Maute group which has identified itself with the international terrorist ISIS widens its attack on the other regions. The ISIS black flag was hoisted in Marawi by the Maute raiders. The military said Maute is just aligning itself with ISIS to get funding and weapons.
President Duterte cut short his five-day official visit to Russia to rush home to deal with the problem. This proves he is a hands-on president, a take-charge guy. Filipinos expect nothing less of their leader.
“I’ll be harsh with those who seek to destroy the Republic,” said the President in his usual bellicose tone. The man was left no choice but to apply the full force of the law to deal with an extreme emergency. Maute gunmen laid siege to Marawi, killing policemen and civilians and burning government buildings.
The situation in Marawi in the account of the authorities appears to be under control although gunfire can still be heard in some areas where the Maute gunmen continue to battle government troops and local policemen. There are reports of hostages taken by the Maute to use as shields against pursuing government troops.
The attack on Marawi bears some semblance to the attack in Zamboanga a few years back by Nur Misuari’s Moro National Liberation Front. The siege lasted almost a month before government troops were able to dislodge the MNLF fighters from Zamboanga City. As in the Zamboanga siege, there were also criticisms of failure of intelligence on the part of government for not being able to detect early the entry of the armed group into Marawi.
Residents fled to Iligan City in droves, leaving Marawi virtually a ghost town.
Lawmakes are divided on the declaration of martial law in Mindanao. Those who are allied with the Duterte administration support the President’s action while some say the government, with all its resources and superior number in military manpower, could have restored order in Marawi without declaring martial law.
The citizenry is also apprehensive the declaration of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus could lead to abuses and violation of human rights. The government, though, has made clear that no such thing would happen as martial law—as amended in the 1987 Constitution—is limited in scope and power. Congress can review the basis for the Duterte declaration of martial law and limits its duration to 60 days and can only extend it if the situation warrants a longer period. The courts under the revised martial law will continue to function although warrantless arrests can still be carried out by law enforcers.
The governments of the United States, Canada, France and Britain have issued warnings and advisories to their nationals to avoid Mindanao. But then, these countries themselves have been subjected to terrorist attacks. Britain, in particular, was hit recently by a suicide bomber during a concert in Manchester. At least 22 people were killed, including women and children who came to watch American pop singer Ariana Grande perform.
In an act of compassion, Ariana said she would defray the cost of the victims’ hospitalization. She is scheduled to perform in Manila but that concert might now be canceled because of fear of a terrorist attack.