THE Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-Zamboanga Peninsula has approved a resolution strongly supporting the declaration of Martial Law over Mindanao citing its effects in the fight against terrorism and other forms of lawlessness.
Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, RPOC-Zamboanga Peninsula (Western Mindanao) chairperson, said the resolution was approved during the council’s second quarter meeting held on Wednesday, June 7.
Salazar said the council members believe the martial law declaration will help address security concerns in Mindanao.
President Rodrigo Duterte has placed entire Mindanao under martial law following the outbreak of fighting last May 23 in Marawi City.
The fighting broke out when members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis)-inspired Maute group went on rampage after the government troops raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who is being protected by the Maute group.
As a result of the continuing Marawi conflict and the subsequent martial law declaration, alert level has been raised in all parts of the country particularly Mindanao through stepped-up security measures.
Salazar said the council has also unanimously approved a resolution expressing support to the proposed national identification (ID) system and nationwide mandatory registration of prepaid subscriber identification module (SIM) cards.
Salazar said the RPOC believes that the national ID system as well as the SIM card registration being pushed by lawmakers would also be a deterrent to all forms of lawlessness specifically terrorism.
The proposed ID system will consolidate all government-issued ID systems into one to improve government services and limit red tape in government transactions.
The proposed mandatory registration of SIM cards is intended to address mobile phone-aided terrorism and criminal activities. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)