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Friday, March 29, 2024

‘Unlimited peace’

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The effectiveness of martial law in Mindanao can only be gauged if relative peace is achieved on the island and its economy progresses as fast as the rest of the whole nation.

Investors are shunning Mindanao because of lawlessness and the lack of peace and order that do not guarantee the safety of workers and executives alike, and ensure a return on investments. Without capital from businessmen, Mindanao is unable to create jobs fast enough to address the unemployment on the island. And with no jobs around, some of the population have grown restive while others joined a rebellion that they believe could change the status quo.

Congress may have perceived Mindanao’s dilemma. In a joint session, Congress on Wednesday granted President Rodrigo Duterte’s wish to extend martial law in Mindanao for another year to enable him to put an end to threats of terrorism and allow the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the region.

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Malacañang welcomed Congress’ decision and quickly downplayed fears that the move was a prelude to a declaration of martial law in the entire Philippines. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea told the joint session of Congress that Malacañang did not seek an unlimited martial law. What the government wants, he says, is “unlimited peace.”

“In sum, the factual basis that compelled the President to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao, as affirmed by the Congress and validated by the Supreme Court, continues to exist,” Medialdea said.

Quelling the Muslim rebellion and neutralizing terrorists that include Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and other Islamist militants should be the immediate results of martial law imposition in the south. The government is now vested with powers to go after rebellious forces and terrorists without much legal impediments with the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.

With peace hopefully restored in Mindanao and the element of uncertainty much reduced, business should flourish in the region. Job and other economic opportunities will eventually quiet the discontent in the troubled island.

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