There is a negative connotation in the international community when it comes to martial law.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, was among the first to hail the lifting of martial law in Mindanao as she indicated the decision will contribute to perking up the economy in the region.

In a statement, the President’s daughter explained while the local community overwhelmingly supports the unique character of the military rule on the island, it still affected Davao City after foreign governments issued travel advisories that in turn had a negative connotation among investors.

She underscored the national government’s decision to lift the imposition would entice more businessmen and tourists in the region.

“There is a negative connotation in the international community when it comes to martial law. Through the lifting, by the end of the month, our standing in the international community will improve,” Duterte said.

“When it comes to local businesses, there is no problem. But in the international community, the declaration of martial law and the issuance of travel bans coming from their governments really affected us,” she added.

The City Council passed a resolution asking the Philippine National Police (PNP) to continue the suspension of the permit to carry firearms outside of residence for a year to bolster the security in Davao City even if martial law is lifted.

Mayor Duterte said the suspension is sufficient to guarantee that the city’s peace and order situation is well-sustained.

“As what we have experienced, this is the only thing that we need to control our peace and order situation in the city,” she said.

As early as August, Mayor Duterte had stated her support for the lifting of martial law in Davao City if it can’t be done for the whole of Mindanao.

She said ambassadors of different countries have raised their concerns on the backlash of martial law on the business sector during a Davao City international conference.

She indicated martial law should be imposed in a stricter sense where the military takes over and suspends civilian functions. This will include the suspension of her authority, the takeover of Davao City Hall and the suspension of functions of the courts.

Mindanao was placed under military rule when the Marawi City siege started in May 2017.

Under the law, the emergency prerogative should only be in place for 60 days and a nod from Congress is needed for its extension. It was extended thrice, where the last one will last until the end of 2019.

The PNP also expressed support for the President’s decision.

The PNP under the leadership of office-in-charge PLt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa is behind the President in not extending martial law in Mindanao,” PNP spokesman PBrig. Gen. Bernard Banac said.

“The steady decline in crime victimization in Mindanao over the past two years validates our data and general observations of lesser crime and lesser fear of crime in Mindanao indicating that security measures and the campaign against crime and terrorism are achieving positive results and success,” he added.

Mr. Duterte, according to the Palace, “is confident in the capability of our security forces in maintaining the peace and security of Mindanao without extending martial law.”

Still, the whole police force, noted Banac, will not be complacent and will continue to exert efforts to ensure it does its part in the government’s peacekeeping efforts.

“We assure the public that the PNP remains alert and vigilant to prevent the occurrence of crimes, enforce the law and maintain peace and order nationwide,” the official concluded.