Palace: MO 32 won’t lead to martial law, suspension of privilege of writ of habeas corpus

President Rodrigo Duterte's deployment of more troops to several provinces to suppress "lawless violence" is not a prelude to the declaration of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, Malacañang stressed Monday.

Palace's Memorandum Order 32 drew mixed reactions since it was made public last Friday.

Former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares feared the increased troop deployment may be used against the general public and opposition candidates in the 2019 midterm elections while Senator Panfilo Lacson wondered whether MO 32 was part of a plan for the declaration of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, which would authorize warrantless arrests of individuals accused of involvement in rebellion or invasion.

"We repeatedly said, if there is any intention, then it should have been declared. But there is none," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said at a news conference.

Signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Thursday last week, MO 32 directed the deployment of additional soldiers and policemen to Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and the Bicol region to suppress “lawless violence and acts of terror” and “prevent such violence from spreading and escalating elsewhere in the country.”

The memorandum reinforced the guidelines under the state of lawless violence which Duterte declared in September 2016 following the deadly Davao City bombing.

Panelo also defended the government's decision to formalize the President's directive after Lacson said it was no longer necessary.

"Maybe if he were the President, it’s not necessary for him. The problem is he is not the President. And the President feels that there is a need for that," Panelo said.

"You have to direct your forces. You cannot just do that orally and what areas they’re going to. You need to reduce that into writing so that there will be guidance to all of them where they will have to go, and what acts they should perform and acts that they should not do."

He added the MO was issued to ensure transparency.

Panelo reiterated that the memorandum provides for strict adherence to respect for human rights. He also said Colmenares "should be happy" about the troop deployment "because you will be securing the area during election time." — BM, GMA News