Biz sector backs 'no to martial law' in Negros

THE church has found an ally in the business sector for its appeal not to declare martial law in Negros, particularly in the oriental side, amid series of killings in the province.

Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), said the possible declaration of martial law, like that of the impending workers' strike against the Yanson Group of Bus Company, will have a massive adverse effect on Negros Island economy.

Carbon said both will restrict the movement of goods and people. Worse, the planned investments for Negros will be put on hold --- even government's development investments.

"The combined effects of both major disturbances, if not arrested the soonest, will delay the implementation of the development program for the whole island," he added.

The MalacaƱang, earlier, issued a pronouncement that President Rodrigo Duterte might declare martial law in Negros Oriental over the spate of killings in the province.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said such an option is being considered in a bid "to quell the lawless violence engulfing the island, as well as to crush all forms of threats aimed to destroy the government."

Panelo said the deployment of more than 300 Special Action Force (SAF) operatives is not enough to stop the killings of civilians in the province.

"The President needs to take 'stringent' measures to put an end to violence in Negros Oriental," he added.

As this developed, Diocese of San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza has appealed to Duterte not to place Negros Island under martial law, saying such declaration would just worsen the violence.

Alminaza says martial law is neither the answer to the centuries-old agrarian problem nor to the decades of armed rebellion.

"Martial rule during the Marcos era did not lead to genuine peace. Instead, it worsened the insurgency problem," he added.

Instead of declaring martial law, the church leader said it would be better if the government will aim to address the roots of armed conflict in a bid for a just and lasting peace.

Alminaza also said the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) should also do its part in attaining peace by agreeing with the continuation of peace negotiations.

"We believe that the first step to integral peace is the continuation of peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and NDFP,"Alminaza said.

He added "we remind both sides of the armed conflict that genuine peace can never be achieved through military adventurism and tit-for-tat conflict. We reiterate our call for integral peace, one that addresses the roots of social injustice."

For the business sector, there's a need to make some noise.

Carbon, who met with Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci) former president and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Central Visayas regional governor Edward Du in Manila yesterday, said the latter is also backing the appeal not to declare martial law in Negros Oriental.

Carbon said he (Du) will convince the Board to also make an appeal or make a joint one with MBCCI.

"Together, let us send our appeal to the President," he said, adding that "what we want is a peaceful and progressive Negros Federated Region where the oriental and occidental are working together to attract more investments and create more and better paying jobs.

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