Zamboanga Sibugay PPOC supports ML extension

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has passed a resolution supporting the extension of the imposition of martial law in Mindanao.

Gov. Wilter Yap Palma, PPOC chairman, on Tuesday said the PPOC supports the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend the imposition of martial law since it has yielded positive results as far as the peace and order of this province is concerned.

“This (martial law) is different from (the one imposed by then President Ferdinand) Marcos,” Palma said, noting that under the present Constitution, martial law emphasizes the protection of human rights.

Palma also cited a military report that the imposition of martial law in Mindanao since last year has resulted in lower cases of criminality in the region.

Palma said martial law has also dissuaded people from carrying unlicensed firearms, while noting that it gives authorities wider scope to better address security threats in the region.

The PPOC passed the resolution in its latest meeting last Thursday,  following President Duterte's appeal to Congress to allow the extension of martial law on the island.

President Duterte signed Proclamation No. 216, placing the entire Mindanao under martial law effective May 23, 2017 a day after the Maute group attacked Marawi City. (PNA)