Tindig Pilipinas says extension of martial law an ‘admission of incompetence’

Cause-oriented group Tindig Pilipinas slammed the decision of Congress to further extend the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, saying that this was an "admission of incompetence and a power grab by a murderous, corrupt and increasingly isolated regime."

The group echoed the sentiment of opposition senators, saying that "nothing in our Constitution nor the realities on the ground justifies this request for an extension."

"The government attempts to show itself as competent and strong by bragging about its long drawn and stumbling campaign to capture the Maute group but has left Marawi, its businesses, its homes and most especially its people and children in ruins and desperation," the group said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Tindig Pilipinas said that the situation in Mindanao does not call for a declaration of martial law and an all-out war approach, saying that this was "designed to deflect" President Rodrigo Duterte administration's "festering corruption and obvious incompetence."

"So the question is will we allow this incompetent and authoritarian regime to continue its pilot project in Mindanao as it schemes to impose martial law all over the country?" the group asked.

"The insistence of the Duterte government and its lapdogs in Congress on doing this is yet another proof that they do not care for our laws, our democracy and the real sentiments and needs of our people," it added.

It also called on the public to resist "creeping fascism" as the extension of martial law in Mindanao is "one facet of an emerging dictatorship."

Congress in a joint session approved on Wednesday Duterte's request to extend the imposition of martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2018.

Duterte had cited threats from ISIS-inspired groups and "communist terrorists" to justify his request.

A 60-day martial law was initially declared by Duterte in Mindanao on May 23 following the attack of the ISIS-inspired Maute group in Marawi City.

Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi City on October 16 after government troops killed terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

On Wednesday, Duterte thanked Congress after it approved his request to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2018.

"I would like to thank Congress for understanding the plight of Filipinos... Mahirapan talaga ako pag walang martial law sa Mindanao," he said at the ceremonial demilitarization of enemy weapons confiscated during the Marawi City siege.

The country’s security officials also welcomed on Wednesday Congress' decision.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured the Filipino people that they will use the extension to finally end the rebellion and terrorism in Mindanao and stop others who wanted to sow violence.

Colonel Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, said they considered the grant of the extension of martial law as an acknowledgement of the areas they have cited that need immediate and decisive actions.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, for his part, said they would support the military in the implementation of martial law. —Marlly Rome Bondoc/KG, GMA News