“The President’s media interview yesterday after visiting the troops in Butuan underscores that he adheres to the rule of law and judicial independence.

President Duterte made it clear that if the Supreme Court decides against the declaration of martial law, he would pull out the military in Marawi City on the ground that the High Court does not believe there is a rebellion.

The President likewise made it clear that if and when there is another similar incident of rebellion, when the public safety requires it, the President and Commander-in-Chief would again declare martial law and police power given to the executive by no less than our Constitution.”

On the Commission on Human Rights remarks that no rights abuses have been reported under Mindanao martial law:

“ We welcome the remarks of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that there have been no reports of human rights abuses and/or violations committed by authorities after the President placed the whole island of Mindanao under martial law.

Let this put to rest the fears and anxiety of some quarters against martial law. As we said in previous occasions, public safety is foremost in the President’s mind in light of the continuing rebellion in Marawi and martial law is a necessary response to address the prevailing reign of terror and its potential spillover to the rest of Mindanao.”

Secretary Paulyn Ubial takes exception on the reported cases of sickness and deaths in evacuation center.

“Sir, mali po report nila madaming nagkakasakit. Cases are going down. Of 638 that sought consultations last week, only 300 admitted, wala pong deaths. Kung meron daw po silang alam na sick na mga bakwit ipatingin lang po sa mga health centers.”

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