MILITANT groups have strongly protested and questioned the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, saying it would not resolve the conflict but merely create more problems and lead to violations of people's rights.
Human rights watchdog Karapatan said Martial Law will inevitably result in intensified military operations, which could result in civilian casualties and lead to an "open season for extrajudicial killings, illegal arrests, torture and other forms of rights violations."
"Martial law is not the answer. It will never result to anything but gross violations of people's rights," Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said in a statement.
She called for an in-depth investigation into the clashes that erupted between Muslim extremists and government troops in Marawi City, a major trade hub in Lanao del Sur, and urged citizens to remain vigilant.
Palabay assured in a text message that Karapatan offices in Mindanao will remain open and their members will "stand our ground against all forms of fascist attacks, including those that will use the martial law declaration as pretext for rights violations."
Kabataan Partylist, for its part, said it supports moves to stop terror groups from causing more harm but warned that placing the entire Mindanao under martial law will open other groups with legitimate concerns to persecution.
Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago said martial law is a "blanket endorsement for so many abuses including warrantless arrests, searches and seizures."
“The government will surely take advantage of the situation to attack progressive organizations. (Defense Secretary Delfin) Lorenzana even said martial law will allow them to conduct more extensive counter-insurgency operations in Mindanao. It enables military crackdown on perceived terrorists and enemies of the state," Elago said in a statement.
"We fear a spate of civilian casualties and grave human rights violations. Martial law will not solve anything and will only worsen the situation,” Elago added.
Student activists of the University of the Philippines in Cebu staged a mass action Wednesday afternoon outside the UP Cebu campus asking for an end to the ongoing military operations in Marawi.
Anakbayan Central Visayas secretary general Niño Olayvar said the declaration is not an issue of legality or constitutionality but "a question of effectiveness and security of the civilians."
"In the times when Martial law was implemented, Marcos (old constitution), and Gloria Arroyo (under the 1987 Constitution), the government was not able to end the rebellion of the different groups. What was consistent was the civilian casualties, the illegal arrests, and the persecution of common people's rights," he said.
Kabataan Partylist and Moro group Suara Bangsamoro will spearhead a candle-lighting protest later today, May 24, to protest the Marawi attack.
Bayan Muna Partylist, in a separate statement, said the declaration of martial law "signals an all-out militarist approach that may prove even more disastrous to the security, properties and lives of our people, particularly in Mindanao."
The group urged President Rodrigo Duterte to immediately lift the martial law declaration considering that the military has declared that the situation in Marawi City is "under control."
Duterte declared Martial Law for 60 days in Mindanao effective 10 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, about eight hours after clashes between government troops and the Maute terror group erupted in Marawi City.
Duterte was still in Russia when he made the declaration and had to cut short his official visit to return home.
The military said a firefight ensued after they swooped down on the apartment occupied by Isnilon Hapilon, a former Abu Sayyaf leader who is now allegedly the representative of the terror group Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (Isis) in the Philippines.
Hapilon and his followers allegedly rendezvoused with members of the Maute group, who engaged the soldiers and police in a gun fight.
Article 7, Section 18 of the Constitution stated "in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, the President may, for a period not exceeding 60 days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law."
Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend the proclamation for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion persists and public safety requires it.
The Congress, if not in session, shall convene in accordance with the rules within 24 hours after the proclamation. (SunStar Philippines)