(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has expressed alarm over the mention of the National People's Army (NPA) as among the reasons for extending military rule in Mindanao, fearing it would pave the way for a nationwide declaration of martial law.
Drilon raised the question during the joint session of Congress to discuss the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of habeas corpus in Mindanao.
'When Martial Law was imposed last May 23 and extended last July 22, the NPA was never mentioned.
Now, their activities are cited to justify the one-year extension, Drilon said.
He noted that the communist rebellion had existed for four decades. 'Is this now a prelude to declaring martial law nationwide? Drilon asked.
Unlike the Maute group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the Abu Sayyaf whose activities are limited to Mindanao, the NPA has a national scope.
'Is it just matter of time before we convene again in this plenary to discuss the expansion of martial law beyond Mindanao? Drilon asked.
Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told the joint session the threat posed by the NPA in Luzon and Visayas was manageable.
'I think the reason why the NPA in Mindanao is included is because of the intensity…45% of the NPA in the whole Philippines are in Mindanao. And they are creating havoc, especially in eastern Mindanao, Lorenzana explained.
Drilon also questioned the basis of the martial law extension, citing the opinion of Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza that martial law required a state of rebellion.
Since there is no longer a state of rebellion as admitted by the resource persons present in the joint session, there is no reason to extend martial law further, Drilon said.
Drilon's Liberal Party (LP) released a resolution expressing its opposition to the martial law extension, citing the absence of an actual, continuing or persisting rebellion in Marawi.
An imminent threat of rebellion is likewise not a ground to extend martial law, it argued, more so the need to secure the rehabilitation and promotion of stable development in Mindanao.
The President should use his other powers and prerogatives to ensure security in Mindanao, the LP said.
Buhay party-list Rep.
Jose 'Lito Atienza also questioned the constitutional basis of the request of the president to extend martial law in Mindanao for one year, saying the charter limited martial rule to 60 days.
'Considering that this Constitution was framed and approved by the people in a plebiscite when the country was liberated from an indefinite Martial Law of Mr Marcos. And the overwhelming cry of the people then was, ‘never again' should it be allowed. Are we starting now to dismantle that steadfast and overwhelming desire of our people not to be subjected to indefinite martial law once again? Atienza asked.
For other senators, the decision to extend martial law for another year will provide a political and psychological boost to the country's security forces.
Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto 3rd, one of the 14 senators who voted in favor of the martial law extension, explained that he voted 'yes because martial law was an effective deterrent to the widespread illegal activities of political warlords, and narco-politicians who helped finance the Marawi siege and other rebellious acts in Mindanao.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, who also voted in favor of the extension, said that apart from the psychological boost that it would give to the military, martial law could also help discourage abuses.
Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said he voted in favor of the motion further extending martial law because it would help establish a conducive atmosphere for business and tourism in Mindanao.
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