Marawi civic leader: Martial law fails to deliver justice to Mindanao

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur: A Marawi civic leader and peace-builder underscored opposition to the third extension of martial law in Mindanao, stressing its failure to deliver social service and justice in the southern region. 

In a private message, Samira Gutoc, leader of Ranao Rescue Team, Kazalimbago Movement and other civil society groups, also said that while she thanked security presence in the area, she feared continued ‘no return’ of evacuees to ground zero of the Marawi siege which is contrary to one’s constitutional right to liberty and property.

"Martial law has failed in social service delivery. It has failed to secure justice for most Moro. It is a blunt instrument against a civilian population," said Gutoc.

She said: "Hundreds of thousands of indigenous peoples, farmers, Muslims, workers, and other sectors from Mindanao remain displaced and remain prevented from returning to their homes."

Gutoc meanwhile suggested the need for the government to trust its local government units and civil society groups in leading Mindanao to peace. 

"Martial law belittles the enforcement of local government units and the efforts of civil society groups to attain peace. And the LGUs that demand the extension of Martial Law should demand it from their own peace and order powers," the former Mindanao journalist said. 

"Martial law also emboldens unscrupulous members of the Armed Forces and PNP to harass those who oppose. Military occupation has also displaced indigenous peoples and Moro people from their ancestral lands," she added. 

Gutoc also reiterated her earlier warning that the extension of the martial rule for another year would not solve terrorism. "Another extension will only worsen the conflict in Mindanao. It will only spoil the government's anti-terror efforts as it will sow more tension," Gutoc said. 

The peacebuilder also questioned the goals of the previous extension of martial law, which is set to expire this December 31. 

"Whatever happened to the goals of the previous extensions of martial law? Why would there be a need for a third extension? Does this mean the military failed to achieve its goals or does the government just want full control of its citizens especially with the upcoming elections?," Gutoc asked. 

“Filipinos from Mindanao clamor for peace and equal access to social services, not another extension of martial law," she added. (MNY/RSP)