Palace thanks 15 senators for supporting martial law in Mindanao

MANILA—Malacañang on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the 15 senators who supported President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao even while it asked the public to fully cooperate with the government to finally end the threat of terrorism in the area.

“We thank the Senate for its resolution expressing support to the President’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao. Fifteen senators think there is ‘no compelling reason to revoke’ martial law in Mindanao, as they expressed full support for President Duterte’s declaration,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

He added that while cooperation between the branches of government is necessary, public support is also equally vital to restore law and order in Mindanao.

“The President has acted swiftly and decisively to suppress the ongoing rebellion in Marawi and to prevent its spread in the provinces of Mindanao. However, the executive branch cannot do it alone. We need the cooperation of the entire government and the support of our people to finally flush out the evil forces, restore normalcy, and bring peace to the island of Mindanao,” Abella said.

Senate Resolution 388, signed by 15 senators as co-authors, was filed in the Senate to express support to the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

“The Senate finds the issuance of Proclamation No. 216 to be satisfactory, constitutional and in accordance with the law. The Senate hereby supports fully Proclamation No. 216 and finds no compelling reason to revoke the same,” the resolution said.

The resolution was signed by Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, and Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Gringo Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Manny Pacquiao, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, at Miguel Zubiri.