DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio bared Monday that the City Government of Davao will not oppose President Rodrigo R. Duterte's plan to extend martial law in Mindanao, saying, "Wala man tay dili maayo nga experience sa martial law (We do not have any bad experience on his martial law)."
Sara, too, was confident that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Office of the President have the access to information, thus, are the ones in authority to decide on the matter.
But as far as Davao City is concerned, the mayor sure knows that Dabawenyos have been taken cared of since the five-month martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23, 2017 and was then extended last October to December 31. She has no objection of any sort on another martial law extension.
Dabawenyos may agree with her or not but based on observation by domestic and foreign tourists who have been visiting the city, nothing has changed except the unusual traffic congestion, more visible security forces and checkpoints in strategic areas.
The martial law, for others, make them feel even more secure.
Duterte, in a letter dated December 8 and addressed to Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, formally asked Congress to extend martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for one year or until December 31, 2018.
The President's request was based on the recommendations of the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) who still need more time to stop the continuing uprising in Mindanao and thwart any possible terror threat.
Another extension of the martial law may not suit well for some. However, this should not be a reason for more bickerings and protests that only divide us. Let us continue praying that God will give the President and our government leaders the wisdom to make the right decisions for us and the rest of the country. As Mayor Sara puts it, they are in the best position to know and decide matters that concern peace and order.