Local gov’t execs laud martial law extension

By Teng L. Datu
Cotabato City Bureau Chief

COTABATO City — At least three government officials welcome and support the extension of martial law for another one year.

City mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi told local radio station that the extension of martial law is at right time for the present administration particularly in the city.

She said this is the only way to reduce criminality in the city especially the threat of Isis members.

Secretary to the Mayor Boy Rasalan told to the reporters that the declaration of martial law is a great help for business sectors to put their business particularly the four malls were now in the city.

Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu told local reporters that he may well be the very first one to support the extension of martial law due to the different disgruntled and misguided elements loitering around not only in the Maguindanao province but the neighboring provinces.

Since the declaration of martial law there was an observed reduction of criminalities in the province, he added.

Upi Mayor Ramon Piang, likewise, supports the extension of martial law because the attacks of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter on military and police istallations in his town.

He said right after the attack the municipality of Upi conducted peace and order council to preempt another attack.

As a result of the peace and order council there were two resolution passed: The support the extension of martial law and the resolution to condemn the attack of the lawless elements.