SWS survey shows support for Mindanao martial law not solid, unanimous

Some lawmakers at the House of Representatives believe that the results of the recent Social Weather Station (SWS) survey on the Mindanao martial law only show that Filipinos are not entirely supportive of the declaration.

In a text message to GMA News Online, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said the results of the survey only proved that support for martial law in Mindanao is not unanimous.

"These results show that the support for martial law in Mindanao is not solid and unanimous, and that there's widespread opposition to the extension of martial law to the whole country," he said.

Based on the results of the survey, which was conducted from June 23 to 26, 57 percent of those who are aware said it was the right decision to declare martial law in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, 29 percent said martial law should have been declared only in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, and 11 percent said it should have been declared only in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, and nearby provinces.

Sixty-three percent of the respondents opposed the idea that martial law also be declared in Visayas, while 67 percent disagreed with the same notion in the case of Luzon.

This, Tinio said, shows that "the same storyline" in Mindanao "will not work for Luzon and Visayas."

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr., meanwhile, emphasized that while most Filipinos favored martial law in Mindanao, there were just as many who were against its possible expansion to other parts of the country.

"Just as many[as those who] were in favor of martial law in Mindanao,  are those who  were against its possible expansion to Visayas and Luzon," he said, "6 out of 10."

Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin echoed the sentiments of Tinio and Baguilat.

"I think many Filipinos don't want martial law in their own backyard. It is right only for Mindanao but not for the rest of the country," he said.

"It tells a lot [about] how conflicted we still are when it comes to addressing the deep-seated issues in Mindanao," he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23 following the attack of the pro-ISIS Maute group in Marawi City.

While there are some who are proposing its extension, the declaration will end on July 22 after its 60-day effectivity period lapses. — MDM/KVD, GMA News