Davao City, Philippines – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said it is supporting the declaration of martial law as announced by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“MinDA fully supports the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte for a 60-day Martial Law in Mindanao,” the agency said in a statement on Tuesday.
MinDA added that it is ready to fulfill whatever role it has to assume in accordance with its legal mandates in support to the President and the people of the Republic.
“Rest assured that there is no letting up in our pursuit of economic progress and sustainable peace in the island-region,” MinDA added.
The agency also condemned the attack staged by Maute group in Marawi City as it called for the government to deal with the perpetrators without any compromise and put them to justice.
The attack, the agency added, is unfortunate as it took place days prior to the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
“We cannot let terror, lawlessness, and violence shatter what we have built for Mindanao all these years. We call on our fellow Mindanawons to stay the course – be vigilant, but continue to be warriors of peace by spreading hope not fear,” MinDA said.
The agency is also calling the public for sobriety and to refrain from spreading unverified stories and reports that could aggravate the situation in Marawi City and in Mindanao.
“In light of the recent developments, we appeal for sobriety and request everyone to refrain from spreading unverified stories and reports that could aggravate the current situation in Marawi City and Mindanao in general. We also appeal to the government authorities for the immediate resolution of the conflict and ensure the security of the affected families,” MinDA said.
Armed men believed to be members of the Maute group staged an attack in Marawi City on Tuesday.
Military and police forces are on full operations in the area to quell the attacking terror group.
President Duterte, who at the time of the attack was on a state visit to Russia declared Mindanao under the state of martial law on Tuesday evening.
“The Mindanawon spirit is resilient. It is without a doubt that we can overcome this atrocity and end up victorious in our fight for justice, equality, and peace,” MinDA said. (davaotoday.com)
