A Kinder and More Gentle Martial Law

It's been a whole week since Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao. 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/23/1703088/duterte-declares-martial-law-mindanao

So how's it working out?  Let's take a look at a few of the highlights.

Someone has to take charge of the whole affair so Duterte appointed AFP Chief Eduardo Año to be in charge of martial law.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/24/17/ao-named-martial-law-administrator

This is the same guy who completely dismissed the terror threat in Bohol in April despite the AFP tracking the movements of Abu Sayyaf and knowing full well there was a terror threat. Even the US Embassy and PNP Chief Bato recognised the threat. Several soldiers died and the community was needlessly terrorised all because Año refused to recognise the very real and present danger posed by Abu Sayyaf.

Martial law means hard duty for the troops.  24/7 vigilance as they fight the terrorists and keep the people safe.  What better way to rally the troops then to have Duterte himself give a pep talk?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-martial-law-rape-soldiers-joke-a7758751.html

So does Duterte want the troops to keep the people safe or does he not care if the troops become the terrorists?

Speaking of terrorists, they are all over the country!  Groups in the north, south, east, and west.  NPA, MILF, MNLF, Abu Sayyaf, and who knows who else.  They could be anywhere and strike at anytime. That's why Duterte just might extend martial law over the entire nation.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/24/1703192/duterte-martial-law-could-expand-cover-entire-country

The country is sorely divided over martial law.  Some say no.  Some say yes.  Some are already tired of martial law and desire much more drastic measures.

What?  I mean it's only been a week.  Better cool your jets and hold onto your horses because we are just getting started.  It's definitely too early to speak about the end of martial law let alone a revolutionary government.  When will marital law end?  When the PNP and AFP say the threat is over and Duterte rescinds the order.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/171240-philippines-duterte-only-afp-pnp-end-martial-law

What about the Congress and the Supreme Court? The constitution gives them a say in reviewing the necessity of martial law.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/29/1704646/duterte-wont-listen-congress-sc-martial-law

Well I guess that throws this infographic, which assures the reader that the Congress and Supreme Court are still in operation during martial law and have oversight to approve or revoke the order, right into the garbage bin.

See the comparison between Marcos and today?  Martial law back then was tough and despotic. Today it will be softer and safer with strong constitutional provisions and safeguards in place to prevent autocracy and despotism. It will be a kinder and more gentle martial law.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/24/1703143/mindanao-martial-law-be-marcos-says-duterte

Well so much for that.  But at least we know Duterte is well informed and has declared martial law because he knows there is a grave threat and he wants to keep the people safe. It was awful that terrorists beheaded a police chief.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/26/1703813/police-chief-duterte-claimed-was-beheaded-marawi-siege-says-hes-safe

As far as anyone knows martial law will last 60 days.  Maybe longer.  Maybe shorter.  What shenanigans will the next two months bring?  With the onset of the rainy season things are bound to get messy real soon.