Maranaos support Martial Law

Top ranking Maranao officials in government and elected officials support Martial Law.

If Congress approved the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao, Maranao officials in the government, both elected and appointed, played a remarkable part to convince the lawmakers.

On Monday, 245 congressmen out of 291 and 16 senators out of 20 voted in favor to extend Martial Law until December 31, 2017.

This was the final count after the joint special session held on May 22 in Batasan Pambansa, in response to the request of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to extend martial law in Mindanao after terrors he related to rebellion has not been contained.

Maranao top ranking officials in government and elected lawmakers, especially Maranaos who are affected by the Marawi Siege, took the floor to express support for Martial Law. Even Moro revolutionary leaders showed favor to the extension. 

"For the MILF, martial law is not outright bad... Martial law can be a legitimate tool... of a legitimate government to stop rebellion, invasion, or prevent or suppress lawless violence when public safety so requires...," said MILF's Luwaran in an editorial.

In other words, a majority of the Maranao leaders elected by their constituents from governor down to municipal mayors and those holding top posts in government are in favor of the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao.

The fact that these leaders are elected by the Maranaos have the legitimacy to represent their sentiments and aspirations and even their decisions on their behalf when crucial issues like this need their voice to be heard.

But, then, if the Maranao majority think they were misrepresented, then they should wait for a time when they can make a choice, a good choice than before. There is still time to come. It is not yet the end of their world. (TNRS)