Youth group denounce martial law extension

A YOUTH group in Northern Mindanao denounced the statement of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno for supposedly agreeing into the eyed extension of martial law in Mindanao.

In a statement, the League of the Filipino Students-Northern Mindanao (LFS-NMR), said Moreno should try to comprehend the human rights violations brought by the military rule in the island.

Moreno over the weekend said he is open to the possible extension of martial law even as he insisted that the martial law under President Rodrigo Duterte is much different from the martial law of Marcos.

The Duterte administration is considering extending martial law following the bombing incidents in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat which scored deaths and injuries to civilians.

LFS-NMR chairperson Kristine Cabardo said Moreno's statement is "a sanction for state forces to continue its abuses and human rights violations in the island of Mindanao and in Cagayan de Oro City."

"Mayor Moreno is clearly dreaming wide awake regarding the human rights situation of Mindanao in relation to the declaration of martial law," Cabardo said.

Cabardo cited the case of GenSan 13, who were 'illegally arrested' and whose items were seized in General Santos City, last July, as a blatant manifestation of abuse of martial law.

She said the victims are human rights workers for different peoples' organizations and most of them are residents of Cagayan de Oro City.

She also cited the plight of lumad evacuees from Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental who have been staying in makeshift shelters for three months due to “intense militarization” in their community.

"If these incidents are not suppressive enough, there are the cases of illegal arrest during his implementation of the Oplan Tambay and of course the anti-illegal drug campaign which clearly targets innocent civilians and small time peddlers," Cabardo said.

The youth leader asked the mayor to talk to the evacuees instead and feel their woes.

"No justification could be comprehend for the implementation of martial law and even the slight hint of its extension. We call on all peace-loving Filipinos in saying that martial law is not the solution. Let us all unite against fascism and dictatorship. Address the root cause of the problem," Cabardo said. (Alwen Saliring/SunStar Cagayan de Oro)

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