REFERENCES:

Monsod, C. (2015) Mindanao Forum on PEACE IN MINDANAO: Interreligious Council of the

Philippines

Monsod, T.(2015). Associate Professor, UPSE?Member, Human Development Network,

published in Philippine Daily Inquirer”s Talk of the Town,

Statement of the Framers of the 1987 Constitution, January 19, 2015

Agence France-Presse  May 24, 2017

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/899173/martial-law-in-mindanao-what-we-know#ixzz4nrmtQfsV 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/24/1703185/martial-law-mindanao-raises-rights-
concerns
 It is not the peace of the dead, but the peace of the living that we seek”
-President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (2017)

This is the line that marks in my mind during his second State of the Nation Address,
talking of the Marawi crisis; Duterte believed martial law was the fastest way to quell rebellion.
Following the terrorist attacks that happened in Marawi City in Mindanao, President Rodrigo
Duterte placed the entire Mindanao region under Martial Law for 60 days starting on May 23.
According to him, this declaration is on the grounds of resistance and rebellion staged by the
Maute Group, a group of terrorists that used to be part of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF).

This declaration was met with mixed reactions as Martial Law is a sensitive topic to Filipinos,
as it was once a period in history where thousands of people were gravely affected when it was
imposed in 1972. Rights group “Karapatan”, in its own release, said that this declaration has
raised concerns of potential human rights violations under an administration that has been at
times hostile to the idea of upholding basic rights for suspects.

Emmanuel Amistad, executive director of Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, said in a
statement that the group is "deeply concerned" with the declaration, which it warned could be "a
slippery slope and will be at the expense of human rights, justice and peace." But The Armed
Forces of the Philippines, Col. Edgard Arevalo of the military' public affairs office, has assured
the public that the imposition of martial law will be done according to the law and with respect
for human rights. Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr., said that Terrorism is the enemy of peace and
progress, and he believes that a temporary state of martial law, used properly, can be an effective
tool to achieve the peace and development in Mindanao.

In my own opinion, people should not be afraid of the possible thing that might happen after the
declaration, they should fear if Pres. Duterte didn't do anything to prevent the terrorism.

On the other aspect, The proclamation of Martial Law doesn’t have major effect on the
government's duty to provide quality education. It is still their priority in the aspect of education
in accordance to the constitution to maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated
system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society.

One concern raised was the threat of terrorism in far flung areas, or especially in areas affected in
the raging war. The education department estimated that around 5,000 learners are affected by
the clashes between the military and the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said government troops are aware that they should not
"carry war into the schoolrooms." "And schools don't take sides at all, as far as the children and
teachers are concerned. And we've had earlier debates of this, even before the Marawi crisis. And
we always emphasize this, and teachers always insist, if there are military people or other kinds
of armed groups who endeavor to enter schools, they are always requested politely to please stay
off and keep the schools peaceful," she explained. Should there be violations of the principle that
schools are zones of peace, Briones said they can immediately inform the police and the military,
who they are in touch with. She also pleaded with "the other side" not to drag children into this
very violent and difficult conflict.

Schools should not be made as battlegrounds between and among contending parties engaged in
violence, with or without martial law.