(file photo)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is not convinced that an extension of martial law in Mindanao is necessary at this point.

CHR Chairperson Chito Gascon said they have been opposing the imposition of martial law in the region because they believe that the power of the President is enough to solve the problems of terrorism in the country.

“Kasi nakalagay sa Saligang Batas, only in cases of actual invasion or rebellion. Hindi po kasama dito ang tinatawag na lawless violence. At patuloy po kaming naninindigan na sa extensions nito ay hindi rin kailangan,” Gascon said.

CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline De Guia, meanwhile, believes the government troops are fully equipped for the job and extension of martial law is no longer necessary.

“It has been the position of the Commission on Human Rights that our security forces are fully capable of addressing lawless violence in the country without the need for martial law,” she said.

She added that: “As such, there has to be a strong reason should the government move for another extension—based on the sound recommendation of our Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police on the real situation on the ground.”

Gascon, meanwhile, stressed that the situation at present is different compared with the martial law during the regime of the late President Ferdinand Marcos in terms of intention.

Nevertheless, the CHR vows to be vigilant in monitoring for possible violations of human rights along the way.

For his part, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay fear the extension of martial law may only be utilized by people with much interest for charter change.

“So exactly the same story that we have during Marcoses time na martial law can be used to expedite charter change,” he said.

But Malacañang clarified that the proposal to extend the implementation of martial law in Mindanao region remains under study by President Rodrigo Duterte. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rey Pelayo)

Tags: Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Martial Law

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez Jr. will recommend extending the martial law in the entire region of Mindanao for another year.

Galvez cited as basis for the recommendation the reported terrorist incidents in Mindanao, including the blast in Basilan that killed 10 civilians on July 31; Sultan Kudarat bombing that killed two people and the recent bombing In General Santos city that injured 8 individuals.

“There is really a clamor for the extension considering the terrorists are still lurking in the area,” Galvez said.

The recommendation will be presented to President Rodrigo Duterte through Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana next week.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde expressed support to the military’s recommendation.

“We are in favor because of the upcoming plebiscite and upcoming elections in Mindanao,” Albayalde said.

The group of Lumads in Mindanao also shared the same sentiment for the planned martial law extension

“Huwag ihinto ang martial law. Kapag ihinto ang martial law mauubos ang mga Lumad. Huwag itigil ang martial law para matulungan ang presidente kasi kung kami ang magpapaalis sa kanila, hindi pwede iyan,” said Bai Pilar Libayao, the municipal IPMR in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

But the Makabayan congressmen are opposing the plan, saying it only targets the opposition group and the critics of the Duterte administration.

“They wanted to silence all dissent, all oppositions,” said Anak Pawis Rep. Ariel Casilao.

Though the recommendation has yet to be forwarded and approved, Malacañang believes that the president is likely to heed the proposal.

“Of course, the president will always evaluate whatever recommendations that the AFP and the PNP will give him,” said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

“But given the support of martial law in Mindanao, even by a Catholic bishop and the citizens there, the president may be persuaded to go on to approve the recommendation; but of course, again, that is the prerogative of the president,” he added.

Senator Aqulino Pimentel III, on the other hand, believes the military should be prepared in defending their basis in extending the military rule.

 “If there is a request for extension there should be a briefing and bakit justified pa even after one year and seven months,” Pimentel said.

Mindanao has been placed under martial law since May 2017 after the Maute terror group attacked Marawi City.

It is set to expire on December 31, 2018 after the government sought for its extension to give way to the ongoing rehabilitation of Marawi.

The recommendation needs to be approved by both houses of Congress before an extension can be implemented.

House majority leader Rolando Andaya Jr. assured they are ready to grant the extension should President Duterte ask for it.

Andaya also said lawmakers from Mindanao will be asked to give their inputs during deliberations.

“If the president will ask for it, then chances are it shall be given. The inputs and views of the congressmen from Mindanao, who represent the people directly affected will carry much weight during  the deliberations,” he concluded. – Grace Casin | UNTV News & Rescue

Tags: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Martial Law

PASAY CITY, Philippines – The Senate on Monday (November 26) approved on third and final reading an extension to the availability of funds for the indemnification of victims of human rights violations during the Martial Law under the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

The resolution seeks to extend the maintenance, availability and release of billions of funds deposited at the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) until December 2019.

The measure seeks to authorize the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to administer the distribution of the funds and to ensure that all legitimate claimants will be able to get their monetary reparations.

The two-year reparations process facilitated by the now-defunct Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) ended this year.

The Board was able to approve the claims of more than 11,000 victims. However, several approved claimants were still not able to encash their checks.

The joint resolution stressed that the involved agencies like the Commission on Audit (COA), the LBP and Bureau of Treasury should coordinate with the Commission on Human Rights to ensure the distribution of valid claims. – Marje Pelayo

Tags: Martial Law, President Ferdinand Marcos, Senate