Lawmaker sees

massive
responsibility of AFP
By: Nikko Dizon - Reporter / @NikkoDizonINQ
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 01:36 AM May 26, 2017

Soldiers assist their comrade wounded during the ground and air
assault Wednesday against members of ISIS-inspired militant group in
the southern Philippine city of Marawi. PHOTO BY JEOFFREY MAITEM /
INQUIRER MINDANAO

President Rodrigo Dutertes declaration of martial law in Mindanao to

deal with a terrorist threat has given the military a massive
responsibility to preserve democracy in the country and ensure that
peoples rights are upheld.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has been the only guarantee of
the country and the people against an unjustified declaration of
martial law, or worse a revolutionary government, said security
analyst Ashley Acedillo, a former Air Force pilot who took part in the
Oakwood mutiny in 2003.

In fact, the AFP enjoys broad trust and support from the people. How
they will proceed from hereon will be crucial to our democracy,
Acedillo said.
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The administration-allied militant Makabayan bloc in the House of

Representatives opposes Mr. Dutertes declaration primarily because
it believes this will pave the way for military abuse.

Martial law implementer

The bloc alleges that Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ao,
Mr. Dutertes appointed martial law implementer, has a tainted
human rights record, especially with his supposed involvement in the
abduction of activist Jonas Burgos, son of democracy icon Jose Burgos
Jr.

Ao has denied any involvement in the Burgos case and has built a
reputation in the military as a respected commander.

Ao has played crucial intelligence and operational roles in military

operations against the communist insurgency.

Bound by accountability

Security analyst Chester Cabalza said the necessity to declare martial

law should not be abused.
Cabalza said the intent of Mr. Duterte was to stabilize a high-risk
security threat to defeat militant or terrorist groups, [but] the
declaration of martial law should still be bounded by legal
instruments and the Presidents accountability.
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Acedillo, a former Magdalo representative, urged the people not to

allow their fear to take over and surrender vigilance to the false
sense of security that a martial law declaration brings.

Once we do so, we may soon realize that the cure is worse than the
disease. By the time we found out that something is amiss, it is
already too late. We cannot afford to be wrong again, he said.

Acedillo described the martial law declaration as very controversial

because Mr. Duterte is not particularly known for his democratic
tendencies, but rather for his populist, quick-fix, strongman
approaches.

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