The the National Democratic Front said the imposition of Martial law in Mindanao will have a negative implication in the ongoing peace talks with the government.
The Communist Party of the Philippines warned that human rights abuses will escalate across the country because civil and political rights would be curtailed under the Martial Law imposed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
Peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said declaring martial law in Mindanao, the second biggest island and the home to one-fourth of the country’s population will only put innocent civilians at risk of state perpetrated human rights violations.
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said it is supporting the declaration of martial law as announced by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday issued guidelines for Davao residents to follow amid the Martial law declaration.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte floated on Wednesday the idea of imposing Martial law across the country to keep the law and order and thwart any further terroristic activity.
The city government of Tagum has beefed up its security plan by installing more checkpoints on the city’s major entry points as the entire Mindanao is now under Martial Law.
President Rodrigo Duterte said the Martial Law he declared in Mindanao Tuesday night may be similar to what former President Ferdinand Marcos enforced in 1972.
Task Force Davao Commander Col. Erwin Bernard Neri said the military will be “in control” once the president officially releases the official guidelines regarding the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.
Gabriela Women’s party Representative Arlene Brosas stressed that addressing the roots of the armed conflict must take precedence over the crafting of a bilateral ceasefire agreement.