Governors' league supports Martial Law declaration

By Myds Supnad

The Association of Governors of the Philippines expressed support for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

Ilocos Sur governor Ryan Singson, president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), told this writer that ULAP is supportive to Duterte's move placing entire Mindanao area under Martial Law.

"Sinusuportahan ng ULAP si Presidente Duterte sa kanyang pagdeklara ng Martial Law sa Mindanao," said Gov Singson, the youngest governor to lead ULAP.

Few days ago, Duterte declared Martia Law in Mindanao to quell rebellion by a small but dangerous group of Maute, a local terror group sympathizing with ISIS, that swooped down on Marawi city, killing civilians, soldiers and policemen after occupying Church, hospitals and schools.

Businessman Al Balan, president of the Intelligence Support and Action Force ( ISAF-CIDG), a civilian group of professionals and businessmen tapped by the CIDG to help provide intelligence and movements of lawless elements, also said that President Duterte's declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao is a must whose objective is to protect the public from terrorism.

Balan cautioned opponents of Martial Law such as political foes of the president and other leaders of students to consider the interest and safety of the public and not just issuing negative statements to get a "free publicity from the media."

Judith Angeles, Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry in Central Luzon, said martial law declaration does not affect the business industry as showed by the continued pouring in of investments to the country.

Eleazar Frondoza, an international physical fitness instructor based in Tagum city, said the atmosphere of peace in their area is so peaceful and business as usual in Mindanao, except Marawi city.

Frondoza regularly travels Tagum, Zamboanga, Lanao del Sur and Bataan.

"The people here are not worried and even supportive of martial law, knowing the terroristic activities of the Maute group," added Frondoza.-Myds Supnad