In its recently concluded 27th General Assembly, CODE-NGO reiterated its strong opposition to the further extension of Martial Law in Mindanao. The network stands up against militarization and will continue to call for the protection of democracy and human rights.
CODE-NGO 27th GENERAL ASSEMBLY, DECEMBER 7, 2018
Resolution No. 27-07 FY 2017-18: WE STRONGLY OPPOSE THE FURTHER EXTENSION OF MARTIAL LAW IN MINDANAO!
WHEREAS, on May 23, 2017, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 216 which proclaimed martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the entire island of Mindanao. Such declaration was made amid armed hostilities between the Philippine military and armed groups in Marawi City.
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2017, in a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Philippine Congress voted in favor of President Duterte’s request for extension of Proclamation Order No. 216 to extend Martial Law until December 31, 2017.
WHEREAS, on December 31, 2017, a special joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate was held to respond to President Duterte’s second request to extend Martial Law in Mindanao until December 31, 2018. The Philippine Congress again voted in favor of the second extension. From only 60 days when the President issued Proclamation 216, Martial Law in Mindanao has been extended to 587 days.
WHEREAS, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) recently recommended to President Duterte for further extension of Martial Law on the grounds that it is needed to completely defeat terrorism, especially with the upcoming elections. If granted a third extension until December 31, 2019, the number of days of Martial Law will be more than 15 times than what is allowed by the law.
WHEREAS, Article VII Section 18 of the Philippine Constitution provides that Martial Law may be declared for a period not exceeding 60 days to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion, and when public safety requires it.
WHEREAS, CODE-NGO and majority of its member networks, along with basic sectors and other civil society organizations, believe that extension of Martial Law has no constitutional basis. The Philippine CSO community believe that there is no need for Martial Law. Martial Law is not the solution to peace and development issues in Mindanao.
WHEREAS, CODE-NGO is deeply concerned on the issuance of Memorandum Order No. 32 which ordered the deployment of additional police and military troops to Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Bicol purportedly to suppress lawless violence and acts of terror. The Coalition doubts the use of “lawless violence” as a basis for such order. It seems that the Duterte administration is using the term widely to accustom the public that any violent acts may be construed as lawless violence – a ground for declaration of Martial Law.
WHEREAS, the Philippine CSO community is worried about the rising number of cases of military and police abuses in rural and urban areas. Vulnerable sectors, marginalized groups, Bangsamoro and indigenous peoples, and local CSO leaders are susceptible to such abuses.
WHEREAS, CODE-NGO and its member networks continuously oppose the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao and the imposition of Martial Law in any place in the Philippines. Along with various civil society organizations in Mindanao and in other parts of the country, CODE-NGO and its members firmly believe that civilian authority reigns supreme over the military.
IN VIEW THEREOF, the CODE-NGO 27th General Assembly urges all 1,600 member organizations nationwide to speak out, publicly denounce the declaration of Martial Law and strongly oppose any move for further extension of Martial Law in Mindanao. CODE-NGO and the larger CSO community will firmly stand up against militarization. We will continue to protect democracy and civil rights!
#NoToMartialLaw #NoToMilitarization