Yesterday, at around 9 o'clock in the evening, the state of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the Province of Maguindanao has been lifted by the President. The order came after the President held an emergency meeting with the National Security Council (NSC) on the status of the objectives of Proclamation 1959.
According to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, the objectives of 1959, as advised by the NSC to the President were as follows:
According to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, the objectives of 1959, as advised by the NSC to the President were as follows:
- Quell the rebellion in Maguindanao
- Arrest the suspects of the November 23 Maguindanao Massacre that left 57 dead
- Secure the safety of the witnesses
- File appropriate charges against the suspects
- Disarm illegal armed groups
- Restore law and order and press freedom
- Restore civilian government
Mixed reactions face the lifting of martial law. Lawmakers are divided on this issue. Human rights lawyers are asking the Supreme Court to here the petitions against martial law. The Supreme Court has a standing order on the Executive Department to answer the petitions. The High Court has still to decide on the matter.
Whatever the decision of the Supreme Court, it shall be the ultimate test of the effectivity and deterrence of Article 18 on future dictatorships.
Whatever the decision of the Supreme Court, it shall be the ultimate test of the effectivity and deterrence of Article 18 on future dictatorships.
No comments:
Post a Comment