ML lifting hinges on terror law

The takeover of Marawi City by Muslim extremists allied with the Islamic State prompted the declaration of martial law in Mindanao. (PTV)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has agreed to lift martial law in Mindanao if Congress will pass the Anti-Terrorism Act and it will be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Wednesday.

“We have a better move, we will pass ASAP (as soon as possible) by first week of November the Anti-terrorism Act and the DND (Department of National Defense) Secretary says they will recommend lifting of martial law in the entire Mindanao if signed by PRRD (President Rodrigo Duterte),” Sotto said reacting to reports that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has asked for the lifting of martial law in the city.

Sotto said that Senate Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon and Senator Panfilo Lacson have already agreed to the suggestion noting “it’s a better course of action.”

Previously, Mayor Duterte asked that the city be excluded from military rule as it affected investments and businesses.

Last 6 August, the City Council passed a resolution requesting President Rodrigo Duterte to lift the martial law in the city.

In a previous interview with the president’s daughter, she explained that martial law should impose military takeover and suspension of civilian functions. This will include the suspension of her authority, the takeover of the Davao City Hall and the suspension of functions of the courts.

Ambassadors and officials from other countries also asked from the mayor the suspension of martial law.

Last Sunday, AFP Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said they were eyeing to extend the military rule only in certain areas in the region.

Sobejana said there are some places that are already secured and do not need increased military presence such as Davao City, Sultan Kudarat, Tacurong City, and Cagayan de Oro City.

However, the AFP official said they have yet to finalize their assessment but initially, Sobejana said that they were considering martial law only in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Mindanao was placed under martial law when Marawi City was seized by Islamic State-inspired Muslim extremists led by the Maute brothers in 2017. The military rule was supposed to last for only 60 days but it was extended by Congress thrice until December 2019.

The Anti-Terrorism Act filed by Lacson is currently pending second reading. Its House counterpart, filed by PBA Rep. Jericho Nograles, is currently pending in the Committee on Public Order and Safety.