Palace lauds bishops’ support for martial law in Mindanao

Malacañang on Saturday commended the support of Catholic bishops on President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao. 

"We laud the good bishop's (Ozamiz City Archbishop Martin Jumoad) support of the President's war against violent extremism in Mindanao. We hope his fellow bishops and other clergy follow his example for their parishes, and prioritize the peace and safety of the people," Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Abella quoted Jumoad as saying, "it is vital that government restores peace and order in Lanao del Sur," noting that the archbishop has risked his popularity in certain quarters.

Jumoad earlier gave his blessing to the declaration of martial law in Mindanao as long as there would be no human rights abuses.

“I am for the imposition of martial law provided a mechanism has to be established so that human rights will not be violated,” Jumoad said.

Abella then cited the assurance of Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. that "such mechanisms are in place, and will differentiate this military action from the past."

Moreover, Abella also welcomed the support from Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo along with other bishops based in Mindanao, saying "[t]he government appreciates support from all sectors, no matter how nuanced."

Quevedo in a statement on Friday said that Catholic bishops of Mindanao are not rejecting the proclamation of martial law.

"We have many fears. But at present we simply do not have solid and sufficient facts to absolutely reject the declaration of Martial Law as morally reprehensible. But we are certainly agreed that Martial Law must be temporary," Quevedo said.

Moreover, he also called on the public to be calm during the period of martial law and avoid provoking violent reaction.

"We urge the government to remove the causes of terrorism, such as poverty and injustice, through just and accountable governance focused solely on the common good," Quevedo added.

Abella took note that Quevedo along with other bishops in Mindanao have balanced their "oblique position by encouraging their faithful."

Duterte has declared martial law in Mindanao on Tuesday, May 23 due to the ongoing clashes between government troops and Maute group in Marawi City.

The implementation will be effective for 60 days.

Duterte assured that he would not allow abuses to be committed on civilians while Mindanao is under martial law. —Marlly Rome Bondoc