LGU execs back President Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao

“We, in the local government, deem it important to be unified and to work hand-in-hand to overcome the national threat. We are one with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on his declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao consistent with his Constitutional mandate to ensure peace and order,” the statement said, which was signed at the 5th General Executive Council Meeting held at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday. (Photo: Presidential Photo/ Philippine News Agency)

MANILA— Local government officials in the country have expressed support to the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte declaring Martial Law in Mindanao in a bid to ease conflict between government forces and the Maute group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

In a statement of support signed by officials of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, Inc. (ULAP) headed by its president and Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara, said they are one with the Chief Executive on his decision to declare Martial Law in the southern part of the country.

“We, in the local government, deem it important to be unified and to work hand-in-hand to overcome the national threat. We are one with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on his declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao consistent with his Constitutional mandate to ensure peace and order,” the statement said, which was signed at the 5th General Executive Council Meeting held at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday.

The local government officials believed that the declaration also seeks to ensure public safety and restore peace and order.

“The President’s declaration is required to ensure public safety, and to restore peace and order. In the forefront of local service delivery, we see this declaration as an integral move to address the urgent needs of our affected brothers and sisters in the area,” the manifesto said.

With this, the group also condemned the present conflict in Marawi City.

“The ULAP strongly condemns the terrorist attacks by the Maute Group, affecting several local communities in Mindanao. We sympathize with the leaders and local government units as these terrorist acts instill fear and uncertainty to the people they lead and serve. These have cause chaos and distraught calling for nationwide vigilance and empathy,” they added.

Likewise, the ULAP assured the government of their support and assistance.

“This is the best time to show that we are strong as one nation amid the threats to security and stability of our country. We will continue to be vigilant that this will not be an occasion to instigate animosity as division in our society,” they said.

The group added, “For and in behalf of all the members, we will continue to pray for peace in our nation and to extend assistance and support at this difficult time.”

On the other hand, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Asec. Ana Marie Banaag, expressed gratitude to the group for supporting the action of the president, noting that it is for the people and the country.

“On behalf of PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar we would like to thank ULAP and the powerful and women here today maraming salamat po sa inyong pagsuporta sa ating Pangulo. Sa mga panahong ito kailangan natin ng pagkakaisa at huwag manaig sana ang pangamba. Malaki ng bagay po ang ginawa ninyong pagpirma at pagpapakita ng suporta sa pagdeklara ng Martial Law sa Mindanao ng ating Pangulo. Ang suporta po ninyo sa ating Pangulo ay suporta sa ating Sandatahang Lakas, sa ating Kapulisan at sa lahat ng ating kababayan para sa ating bayan,” she said after receiving the copy of the group’s statement of support.

ULAP is an umbrella organization of all local government units Nd locally elected and appointed officials.

Among its members include the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB), League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP), Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP), Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP), Philippine Councilors League (PCL), Lady Local Legislators’ League (4L) and National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL).