THE proposed extension of martial law in Mindanao will not affect the business climate here in Davao City, a business leader said.
"I strongly feel the proposed extension of martial law in Mindanao will have very little or no impact at all to the business climate in Davao City. The past months will show that under martial law Davao City became even safer, more attractive to investors and business became more vibrant than ever," Arturo M. Milan, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated (DCCCII) said in a text message to SunStar Davao Wednesday, November 14.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Tuesday that there may be a possible extension of martial law in Mindanao due to the "positive" feedback from stakeholders.
“’Yong sa Davao at sa ibang areas sa Mindanao, they are saying na martial law is well implemented. I believe that’s the request of the LGUs and also the people to sustain our gains," Galvez said.
Meanwhile, the extension will also not affect relations between Indonesian and Davao businessmen.
Endah R. Yuliarti Farry, first secretary consul for information and socio-cultural affairs of the Consulate General of Indonesia, said if the martial law will be extended it will only affect certain places.
“We also try to ensure businessmen from Indonesia, that even though there is martial law implemented throughout Mindanao, we make sure that they are safe as well,” Farry said, adding that there are more places in Mindanao where establishing business relations are safe and even conducive for future economic activities.
Farry also said the proposed extension of martial law will not be a hindrance for the Indonesian community, through its consulate, to conduct more business activities in Mindanao.
“We try to make this kind of situation as an opportunity for our businessmen to invest in Mindanao,” Farry said.
“So far as the consulate is concerned, no business investment from Indonesia has been pulled out because of the implementation of martial law,” Farry added.
Before the year ends, he said an Indonesian cement company will be investing in Mindanao because of the rapid developments on the island.
President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law on May 23, 2017, several hours after Marawi City was attacked by the Maute terrorist group.
On July 22, 2017,the Congress in a joint session granted President Duterte’s request to extend martial law until December 2017. By December 13 last year, the Congress approved another one-year extension until December of this year.