.Exaggerated
MANILA, May 24 —- The implementation of martial law in Mindanao will be done in
accordance with existing laws and respect for human rights.
This
was bared by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief
Col. Edgard Arevalo during a briefing Wednesday when sought for a comment on
President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in wake of the ongoing
fighting between government troops and Maute Group members.
"Declaration
of martial law does not mean abuse of authority. We will do it in accordance
with the existing law and respect for human rights," he said in Filipino.
Arevalo
also clarified that Maute Group members, other terrorist elements, and their
supporters and sympathizers are the target of the martial law and not law
abiding citizens.
He
added the declaration is part of government efforts to ensure that the
terrorist groups will not succeed in their attempt to create havoc and terror.
However,
Arevalo said that they are still waiting for specifics on what is allowed and
not on the latest martial law announcement.
The
clash between Maute Group members started 2 p.m. Tuesday at Barangay Basak,
Malutlut when government security forces learned of the presence of Abu Sayyaf
Isnilon Hapilon, who allied with the Maute Group, and his cohorts.
Hapilon
was reported severely wounded in the series of military operations in Lanao Del
Sur early this January.
The
former is reportedly the representative of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
terror group in the Philippines.
This
prompted military and police units to conduct a law enforcement operation but
they were fired on first by the bandits,
"The
security forces were fired upon constraining them to retaliate," Arevalo
stressed.
Initial
reports said that at least one soldier was killed and eight others wounded in
this exchange.
"Follow
up operations are still ongoing and we cannot reveal other details so as not to
compromise operational security. Follow on forces are underway as we speak to
further ensure that we will keep the grip of the situation," the AFP
official added.
Arevalo
also urged the public to refrain from posting in social media information that
would tend exacerbate the situation especially photos and videos on the
movements of our troops and on terrorist propaganda circulating through social
media.
"We
will continue to provide updates as often as possible with due regard to the
security of our operating forces and the conduct of the operations
itself," he added. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)
