KABALIKAT ng Mamamayan partylist Representative Harry Roque expressed doubts that the national government can end the crisis in Mindanao in 60 days.
Roque, who attended the Negros Island-Regional Development Council meeting in Talisay City Tuesday, July 4, said he believes the problem of the government with Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) is “very deep.”
“I think hindi matatapos in 60 days (I think we can’t end this in 60 days),” he said, but he remained optimistic it will be over soon.
Roque said “the existing armed groups have given safe haven to international terrorism groups. They unified behind Isis... Isis became the unifying factor, which explains those fighting in Marawi are not the 280 manpower of Maute.”
The clash between Isis-inspired Maute terror group and the government troopers in Marawi City started in May 23, displacing thousands of residents. The crisis also prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao for 60 days.
Roque said it is still “premature” to extend the military rule since it’s still about a month away before the 60 days will end.
He said he is hoping that martial law will be lifted in time for Duterte’s State of Nation Address on July 24.
“Martial law is not good, it is scaring away tourists, foreign investors. Of course there are some who are afraid that it is a threat to civil liberties. I support this declaration of martial law. I hope it will be lifted the soonest time possible, I hope after the 60-day period, they will have control of Marawi,” the lawmaker said.
Roque said the cooperation of the community is very important in the fight of the government against terrorism.
He added that he is optimistic the programs of the Duterte administration will improve the lives of the people in Mindanao.
“I’m hoping that Duterte’s renewed fight against corruption and infrastructure (programs) can alleviate poverty in Mindanao,” he said.
“It’s good the President has shown political will to deal with this problem. Any other president will be wishy-washy. I’m happy that there’s political resolve to treat Maute problem as military problem, and give it a military solution,” Roque added.