Sema declares ‘conditional support’ to martial law in Maguindanao
COTABATO CITY, Philippines/09 December 2009—Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema today issued a statement on the imposition of martial law in certain areas in Maguindanao and the earlier declaration of a state of emergency in Sultan Kudarat province as well as in Cotabato City.
“As Mayor of Cotabato City and at the same time the Chairman of the mainstream Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), I am expressing my CONDITIONAL SUPPORT (Note: Font capitalization provided–Ed.) to the imposition of Martial Law in the Province of Maguindanao beginning December 5, 2009 and the earlier enforcement of a State of Emergency thereat and which is still operative in the Province of Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City,” Sema said.
“Taking into deep consideration the context of events and the satisfactory, transparent and temperate enforcement of martial rule thus far, the latter appears to be the most effective and appropriate cure for a social problem that has long plagued this part of the country. Extreme as it maybe and as something that still conjures up the image of abuse by the armed services, yet this Martial Law serves a good purpose that has long been unarticulated by the masses due to fear for their personal safety,” the statement continued.
“Here in Cotabato City, I welcome the placing of our community under state of emergency as a way to prevent the spilling over of violence and the possibility of making this place a refuge for those criminals involved in the Maguindanao Massacre of November 23, 2009.”
“I am just appealing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to always observe and respect basic human rights even if Martial Law and state of emergency are declared. Only those suspected of participation or complicity in the massacre should be investigated, and that the lives of the ordinary and innocent civilians and government workers must be restored to normalcy in the soonest time.”
“I am also taking this chance to state that the “private army” imputed to my name is not my personal armed followers but the legitimate and ideologically-oriented forces of the MNLF Bangsamoro Armed Forces. Let the public also know that thousands of these combatants are already integrated into the AFP and PNP by virtue of the 1996 GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement. Most of them are already fighting side by side with government forces against enemies of the state. Their guns have been handed over to either the AFP or PNP upon their integration, and the remaining armed combatants are also waiting to be integrated since the process has not yet come full circle.”
“My constituents are aware that I only have two police escorts and that in most of my official travels I am only accompanied by a single PNP member. They are the better witnesses as to debunk the claim that I have a private army. To clear my name from such malicious imputation aired over a television network, my lawyers are studying the statements made if they are libellous.”
“Lastly, it is my truest prayers that our society can emerge as a better place to live in after all these circumstances. Let these circumstances be lessons for all of us, painful as they maybe.”
Sema is the current chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). (TPSA)
