A bishop from Mindanao said people should give martial law a chance.
Ozamis Archbishop Martin Jumoad told Radio Veritas that martial law under President Rodrigo Duterte is better than during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos.
“It (martial law) gives specific as to what the military should do and what the civilian must do also,” he was quoted as saying in a Radio Veritas media release.
Also, he said, the “police and military are very professional.”
Despite Jumoad’s appeal to give the declaration “a chance,” he said martial law should immediately be lifted once the situation in Marawi City is under control.
Meanwhile, teachers in nearby Iligan City worry that the conflict will spread to their city.
Iligan City was temporarily placed under lock down on May 29 after reports said that Maute rebels, disguised as civilians, were roaming around the city.
Ric Seco of Iligan National High School and chairman of Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) Region 10 said they were asked to prepare for this possibility.
“We were advised to pack things up so we could easily escape if needed. So that’s our situation here, it’s 50-50. Fifty percent safe, 50 percent (threatened) to be attacked,” Seco said in an interview with Radio Veritas.
Seco said state forces have been coordinating with school personnel to ensure everyone’s safety.