MALACAÑANG on Thursday came to the defense of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II who had accused minority lawmakers of triggering the terror acts in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told a press conference in Davao City that Aguirre is “not going against policy” but is merely performing his mandate as the head of Department of Justice (DOJ).
Abella said that Aguirre still has the “full trust” of President Rodrigo Duterte for his “excellent” performance as Justice Secretary.
“First and foremost, the President has his full trust [on Aguirre]. He has the full trust of the President. He is doing an excellent job actually in the DOJ. However, there are certain things, example, these things are all part of his process so we defer to him. We respect what he has done,” Abella said.
“Regarding the DOJ, I am sure he is fully aware of what he needs to do and how to address the matter,” he added.
Aguirre alleged Wednesday that Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino, Magdalo Partylist Representative Gary Alejano, and former presidential adviser on political affairs Ronald Llamas met with the influential Alonto and Lucman clans in Marawi City on May 2, or three weeks prior the Marawi siege.
Aguirre said the meeting could have "sparked terrorist acts" in the conflict-torn city.
Lawmakers and prominent Marawi clans tagged by Aguirre have denied his allegations, prompting the Justice Secretary to apologize to the accused and claim that he was merely "unfortunately misquoted" by the media.
On May 23, clashes between government forces and members of Maute extremist group broke out after the botched operation against Isnilon Hapilon, alleged top leader of Jihadist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) in the Southern Philippines.
While Abella defended Aguirre, the presidential spokesperson said the accusation against the opposition was a mere "speculation" unless verified.
Abella added that for now, the government would stand by the Duterte's statement that the siege in Marawi was planned by Islamic State group.
“Regarding these matters, unless really fully vetted, it remains speculation as far as we’re concerned. But we go by what the President has said that these troubles are directly due to the Isis,” Abella said.
“So we stand by our claim that we give accurate reports… Let us be assured that the President’s full intention is, number one was to make sure that the nation runs along the line that there’s law and order,” he added.
Mindanao has been placed under martial law by Duterte the day the Maute group laid siege in Marawi City. The Chief Executive has instructed the state forces to beef up its operations to suppress lawless acts in the city and in the entire region. (SunStar Philippines)