QUEZON City, Philippines – Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s act of placing Mindanao under martial law, saying that the declaration was appropriate and not an overreaction.
“We fully support the proclamation of martial law in Mindanao. Ang Mindanao talaga, problema talaga ang peace and order situation. I think the proclamation is timely so that we can solve also other problems like criminality,” said Pimentel.
Meanwhile, House Committee on Defense Chairman Ruffy Biazon believes that there was a military intelligence failure that resulted in the Marawi City encounter.
He noted, however, that the issue should be tackled after the Marawi City encounter was over.