LIFTING martial law in Mindanao by the end of the year is a prerogative of President Rodrigo Duterte, according to presidential son Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
"That is the discretion of the President. Kung tan-aw niya dili na kinahanglan I-extend ang martial law, then I suppose naa na siya'y sufficient wisdom and knowledge on the matter (If he thinks the martial law extension is no longer needed, then I suppose he has sufficient wisdom and knowledge on the matter)," Vice Mayor Duterte said on Tuesday evening, December 12, right after the City Council regular session at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
This was the vice mayor's reaction when asked by the media following the announcement of Presidential Spokesperson that President Duterte will no longer extend the martial law implementation in the island, which is set to expire in December 31.
"Iyang decision, then I will honor that. Mas na kabalo gyud siya sa atoa (If that is his decision, then I will honor that. He knows better than anyone of us)," he said.
He also said he will also let the police or the military to speak on the necessity on the non-renewal of the martial law.
Martial law was declared in the entire Mindanao in 2017, following the insurgency attack of the terrorist group Maute, an Isis inspired group, in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in a press statement, welcomed the lifting of martial law, adding this would be beneficial for the economy of the Davao City.
Duterte-Carpio said the lifting of martial law would entice more foreign tourists and investors to the city.
The mayor said in a previous report that the declaration of martial law negatively affected the city when foreign governments issued travel bans – including Canada. She said the travel bans had made tourists and investors apprehensive about coming.
“There is a negative connotation in the international community when it comes to martial law. Through the lifting, by the end of the month, our standing in the international community will improve,” The mayor said in a press release.
She said that the effect of the declaration of martial law was more on foreign investments.
“When it comes to local investment, there is no problem. But in the international community, the declaration of martial law and travel ban coming from their governments really affected us,” she added.
Earlier this year, Duterte-Carpio, during a business gathering in the city, wanted to exempt Davao City from the martial law implementation.