MANILA, Dec. 11, 2009—People in the Archdiocese of Davao are divided over the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao province, a church leader said.
Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla said those who are against martial law reasoned that it would only make the lives of the people more difficult.
He said other people, on the other hand, were in favor of it because it would help bring about peace in the war-torn province.
“While there are those who strongly support President Arroyo’s decision to declare martial law in Maguindanao, peace advocates and other militants have strongly opposed the executive decision,” he said in interview over church-run Radyo Veritas.
Archbishop Capalla also said local residents have long been complaining about armed bodyguards of the Ampatuans whenever they are in Davao.
According to him, people noted these bodyguards have even refused to surrender their firearms to security personnel at various shopping malls.
The prelate said the Bishops-Ulama Conference, of which he is a co-convenor, has already issued its statement on the Maguindanao massacre last month.
“I agree with Archbishop (Orlando B.) Quevedo’s stand on the Martial Law declaration in his province and it has to be for a limited time,” he said.
Asked for comment on Prelature of Isabela Bishop Martin Jumoad’s call on Arroyo to also declare martial law in his province after another beheading incident took place, Archbishop Capalla said bishops are autonomous and independent of one another.
“Bishops know what’s happening in their areas,” he said. He added he does not know anything about the situation in Basilan and has not heard Bishop Jumoad’s statement. (Melo M. Acuna)
