Martial
law is beneficial to Mindanao.
Some
quarters of society who are critical to the policies of President Rodrigo
Duterte’s administration have raised the issue of abuse if the declaration of
martial law would be extended for the 3rd time.
The
second extension of martial law in Mindanao would only be effective up to Dec.
31, 2018.
 |
| Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-staff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. (photo credit to owner) |
The
President gave the Armed Forces of the Philippines time to submit
recommendation whether or not there is a need to extend the effectivity of
martial law in Mindanao after the end of the year.
Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr.
in a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City said that the ongoing
implementation of martial law in Mindanao has brought peace and order and many
other benefits to the island.
"Peace
in Mindanao has never been closer than in the times that martial law is in
place. Despite the opposition from some groups, we have been clear from the
very beginning of our intentions and our actions so far have proven them
wrong," Galvez said.
Galvez
adds that the AFP has received positive feedbacks from various stakeholders in
the area regarding the implementation of martial law of the AFP.
"We
have joined rounds of consultation with the primary stakeholders in the peace,
security, and development in Mindanao and we have received overwhelming
positive feedback, not only on our efficient implementation of martial law, but
also its impact to security, local economy, and governance and well-being of
local communities," the AFP chief added.
Said
assessments are just partial as the military has not visited other areas in
Mindanao, but Galvez is already happy and optimistic of the results so far.
"Martial
law has led to increased tourist and economic activity in Mindanao, especially
in areas previously thought of as inaccessible to visitors from Luzon and
Visayas. The improved security situation is so inviting that it is no longer
unusual to find tourists exploring Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Davao, Zamboanga
City, or island hopping in Jolo, Sulu. The development created more jobs and
empowered residents to become active players in the peace and security of their
communities," he noted.
Cooperation
with the local government units (LGUs) has brought an unprecedented number of
confiscated loose firearms ir surrendered to the government, with 5,685
firearms recovered in Mindanao alone.
"Movements
of known terrorist groups such as the New People’s Army, Maute Group, and the
ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) have also been constricted. In Eastern Mindanao alone,
11,333 CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines) members and supporters have
been given an opportunity to experience a more peaceful and productive way of
life," the AFP Chief Galvez said.
Over
300 members of local terrorist groups, 572 of which are members of the Abu
Sayyaf Group, who chose to abandon the fight with government in exchange for
reformation and reintegration also joins the 11,333 NPA surreenderees said the
AFP Chief of Staff.
"By
next year, as the trend is sustained, we can make these terrorists irrelevant,"
Galvez stressed.
As
for the number of recipients of the Seal of Good Governance it has increased
from only 6 in 2016, now it has 23 in 2018 in the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao.
On
the economic side of the spectrum, the performance of the ARMM has also
increased from 4.3 to 7.3 GDP.
Zamboanga
alone has reaped a big chunk of the benfits of peace and order because of the
ongoing martial law when it was ranked 102nd in 2017 in terms of economic
standing, jumped to the rank of 41 in 2018.
"Despite
these developments, we are aware that our job is far from over. We must
capitalize on these gains moving forward. The year 2018 has been very
productive and beneficial for the people of Mindanao. We thank Mindanaoans for
their trust and confidence on our soldiers, who to this day continue to risk
their life in search for just and lasting peace in the Land of Promise," AFP Chief of Staff Galvez added.
What can you say about this?
Share
us your thoughts by simply leaving on the comment section below. For more news,
updates, feel free to visit our site often.
Stay
updated with today's relevant news and trends by hitting the LIKE button.
Thanks
for dropping by and reading the post
Report
from PNA
0 Comments