SENATOR Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said President Rodrigo Duterte has not yet made a decision on the request of his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, to lift martial law in their hometown.
In an interview during his visit to the Barangay 21-C Gymnasium, Davao City to give relief assistance to the monsoon waves victims on Saturday, August 10, 2019, Go told the media that the President was afraid of a possible spillover.
“I respect the stand of Mayor Sara. We know that Davao City is a very peaceful place to live. I understand the point of Mayor Sara to exempt Davao City from martial law,” Go said.
He added, “Kaya lang, ang mudesisyon man gud ana ang taas through the recommendation of the military and the Defense department and intelligence security council of the President and finally si President Duterte ang mu-decide ana kung i-extend niya or i-lift na ang martial law diri (The decision on the lifting of martial law is on the people above. The president will have the final say based on the recommendations of the military, Defesnse department, and intelligence security council).”
The senator said terrorism in some parts of Mindanao is ongoing and has never ended even in Jolo, and the possibility that the terrorists will come to Davao and hide is not far.
“I cannot speak in behalf of the President pero mao to ang point ni President Duterte nga lisod og diri managan ang mga dapat gukuron,” Go said.
Considering Mindanao’s geographical location which is just one island, he said that it is easier for the terrorists to penetrate if stringent security measures are not in place.
He likewise acknowledged the improved security condition in the city.
“We are one island in Mindanao, dali ra kaayo mudagan ug mutago dayon. Nakasabot ko sa stand sa national. Kung unsay mahimong desisyon ni Presidente Duterte akong suportahan kung ipadala nila og balik but I support sa stand ni Mayor Sara (It is easy to hide in Mindanao. I understand the position of the national government. Whatever the position of the President will be, I will support it. However, I also support Mayor Sara's stand),” Go said.
He added that the presence of the security forces and law enforcement agency has become a deterrent factor for crimes. He also lauded the security sector because, for over two years since the implementation of military rule, not a single human rights violation has been committed against civilians.