Following the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) XII through the chairmanship of Governor Pax S. Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat convened to discuss the security measures of the authorities in the Region, and to come up with a collaborative efforts in addressing related issues.
The special meeting was held on May 29, 2017 at the King’s Hall, Provincial Office, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, and was attended by all members including guests from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) XII, and all the AFP and Philippine Marines Battalions Commanders assigned in Region XII.
During the meeting, Regional Public Attorney Servillano Santiago Lorenzo III of the Public Attorneys Office (PAO) discussed the Constitutional Provision in the Declaration of Martial Law, while the Philippine Army from the 6th Infantry Division in the person of LTC Ricky Bunayog and from 10th Infantry Division in person of Col. Eduardo B. Gubat, gave updates on the Rebellion Acts of Maute Group in Marawi City, as well as their current efforts in support to the declaration of Martial Law. The Philippine Army gave assurance that no abuses will be committed in the implementation of Martial Law, following the rule of law and putting the safety and protection of the people as the primary consideration. Further, the updates of the Philippine National Police (PNP) XII was presented by SSUPT Raul S. Supiter, Provincial Director of PNP Sultan Kudarat which focused on the Peace and Order Situationer of the region and the role of the PNP in the implementation of Martial Law.
After the presentations of different agencies, there was an open forum facilitated by DILG XII OIC- Assistant Regional Director Lailyn A. Ortiz. As a result, the council moved to pass three (3) resolutions : A Resolution supporting the President’s Proclamation No. 216 Declaring A State of Martial Law and suspending the privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Whole Mindanao; A Resolution adopting and endorsing the request of Governor Emmylou “ Lala” Taliño- Mendoza to request for guidance in the implementation of Curfew Hours; and, A Resolution requesting the Martial Administrator, DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to provide and for immediate release of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Proclamation No. 216 Declaring A State of Law and suspending the privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Whole Mindanao. These resolutions were already endorsed to USEC Catalino S. Cuy, Officer- In-Charge of the DILG, for appropriate action.
