Critics: Martial law in Maguindanao sets dangerous precedent

The declaration of martial law in Maguindanao in the wake of the Ampatuan massacre last November 23 sets a "most dangerous precedent" for the nation, Malacañang's critics said Saturday. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said that while it wants justice for the victims of the massacre, it cannot support a measure that is "both dangerous and questionable." "We demand the lifting of Martial Law in Maguindanao and the restoration of the civilian government institutions. Martial Law cannot solve the problem of state-sponsored warlordism and violence in the province," the group said in a statement. Bayan noted that the declaration of martial law in a province less than six months before the 2010 elections raises fresh fears that similar scenarios could also follow. Such actions can severely undermine the conduct of the 2010 polls to benefit the incumbent president, it said. "We must not allow this scenario to be replicated in other regions for whatever pretexts. If Arroyo can declare martial law for reasons not defined in the constitution, imagine what she can do before the 2010 elections," it said. It urged the public to remain vigilant at this time against possible abuses on civilians that may stem from this declaration. Bayan questioned the Arroyo government's basis that civilian institutions, especially the courts, are no longer functioning. "The difficulty of gathering evidence, securing warrants and enforcing arrests also cannot be used as a basis for the declaration," it added. Bayan also said the national government must endeavor to restore the civilian administrative and judicial institutions in the province. For its part, the Black and White Movement also questioned the declaration of martial law, saying that it does not believe the massacre warrants its imposition. "Is the government so weak that it cannot enforce the arrest of those implicated without it? Is this the only way Gloria Macapagal Arroyo can deal with her friends, the Ampatuans? Does she really need to wield such vast powers?" it said. It urged Congress to "heed the Constitution and convene to revoke this proclamation," saying the declaration of a state of emergency should have been enough. "We cannot help but suspect that this government has more in mind than just imposing justice on one family, albeit a powerful one, in Maguindanao. The end does not justify the means. The danger is in the perceived comfort level that the public may at first experience from the strength of such an action," it said. - JHU, TJD, GMANews.TV