Manila: Fifty-seven per cent of Filipinos agree with President Rodrigo Duterte’s move to place Mindanao under martial law, a poll conducted a month after the Philippine leader made the decision showed.
In a survey conducted from June 23-26, by the independent Social Weather Stations (SWS), it was revealed that only 29 per cent thought martial law should have been declared only for Marawi City and the Province of Lanao del Sur, and 11 per cent coverage should be limited to Marawi City, the Province of Lanao del Sur, and nearby provinces.
No to Martial Law in Visayas
The same survey also found 63 per cent disagreed with the statement, “Pres. Rodrigo Duterte should also declare Martial Law in the Visayas.”
On May 23, Duterte placed Mindanao island under martial law after violence broke out in Marawi City as government forces moved to arrest leaders of the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf Basilan faction, led by Isnilon Hapilon.
The militants quickly seized vital government positions and held hostage dozens of people in predominantly Muslim Marawi City while burning down Christian houses of worship.
In the survey, 67 per cent disagreed with the statement, “Pres. Rodrigo Duterte should also declare Martial Law in Luzon.”
For the poll, SWS conducted face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide: 300 each in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Poll results welcomed
The presidential palace welcomed the results of the poll, saying that it validates an earlier survey by the same pollster, which showed the President getting a “very good” net satisfaction rating among Filipinos.
“The positive public response indicates that they believe the factual and legal basis of the proclamation of martial law for Mindanao, which includes the Maute Group’s attempt to remove allegiance from the government and to deprive the chief executive of his powers to enforce the laws and maintain public order and safety,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.
Under martial law, some liberties of Mindanao citizens have been restricted including the writ of habeas corpus and privileges extended to certain gun license holders to bear arms outside of their residence without need for special permits.
Under Philippine law, only the President can place the whole or parts of the country under martial law. However, he is required to explain to Congress his decision.
Duterte justified his decision to declare martial law over Mindanao island by saying it is necessary to curb the spread of extremism.