DAVAO City, Dec. 13, 2009– Feeling a bit frustrated, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo said that the extra-ordinary amount of media exposure that is given to Martial law critics in Manila provides a distorted view of the country as a whole.

In a statement signed by Quevedo disseminated to the local media, the archbishop noted that the “criticism of Martial Law in Maguindanao is really based on total distrust of President Gloria Macapagal –Arroyo. Survey after survey is paraded to say that this is the pulse of the people.”

“The stand of small protesting “militant groups” is given disproportionate media exposure. Political oppositionists and personalities from “militant” organizations are interviewed again and again to give their expected negative views on actions of government,” he added.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde admitted that the implementation of martial law in the Province of Maguindanao had a timetable of one-week and that the lifting of the order should now quiet the critics.

But, Quevedo, who personally know the situation in Maguindanao said that “it is now clear that the people’s hopes and expectations in Central Mindanao regarding Martial Law will not all be realized.”

“Some of these are: the disbanding of all private armies in Maguindanao; the identification and arrest of members of kidnapping and drug syndicates; the restructuring of legislative, judicial, and executive units so as to be more democratic, independent, trustworthy and pro-common good; and the assurance that elections would be honest, clean, and peaceful,” said Quevedo.

“What might be the reason for the failure to meet expectations? Martial Law by its nature as a last resort should be of short duration. But precisely because of its brevity, the following will result: one clan will be significantly disarmed; the balance of political and armed power will shift to other clans; private armies will remain though possibly less visible and probably more sophisticated in behavior; the deep trauma resulting from the massacre will persist; rido is not going to be stopped; the legislative, justice, and executive--and electoral--mechanisms will still be in the hands of those related to or have debts of gratitude to various families; and if a member of the rival clan will somehow gain the top post of the province, do we in Maguindanao really believe that the provincial capitol will remain in Shariff Aguak? Even the peace process will be affected by the loyalties of local rebel commanders to their own clans,” he added.

The prelate reminded the critics that even now sentiments are strong in Central and Southern Mindanao that elections for local offices in Maguindanao should be deferred or at least the term of Martial Law should be extended till after the elections.

“The fundamental suggestion is for us to move forward from partisan political criticism to collective constructive thinking and effective action on this central issue of Maguindanao dysfunction. Hence, the fundamental dysfunctions in Maguindanao will remain after Martial Law,” he said, adding:

“I respectfully address this to all concerned, particularly the Senate, House of Representatives, the judicial branch and the Arroyo administration, as well as to all of us Maguindanawons.”

Meanwhile, various people here especially the youth expressed disgust to the Martial critics in Manila who “seems to be so concern of the situation in Mindanao.”

Anwar Tahil Makmud, a Moro youth leader from Lanao said that they felt disgusted on the moves of some Martial Law critics in Manila who appears to be so concern of the situation in Mindanao.

“Nakakainis lang kasi yung mga taga Maynila naman yung ayaw lang ng martial law. Kunwari concern sila, human rights violations kuno, eh hindi naman nila naiintindihan ang tunay na sitwasyon dito sa atin (Mindanao) bakit ba sila nakikialam? Hindi nga tayo nakikialam sa kanila,” Makmud said in a text message sent Saturday shortly after the palace announced the lifting of martial law order.

Noraidah Usman, a teacher also said that she is discouraged with the reactions of the people in Manila whom she referred to as “imperialists.”

“We are happy with the martial law. Nagkaroon ng katahimikan dito. Pero nung nagsimula ang mga kritiko mas lalo tuloy naging magulo. Eh sa totoo lang mga imperyalista sila. Personally, I will not vote for those who are against it and some of my co-teachers share the same belief,” she said.

Noel Sandayan, a student leader in Davao province also said that during their political education they will discuss those leaders who are against the military rule.

“Alam natin na panget ang epekto ng martial law pero dapat din maintindihan ng mga kabataan na at this time, may mabigat na dahilan kung bakit ipinatupad ito. Mas lalo naming ngayong naintindihan na wala talagang concern ang mga lider natin sa Maynila sa Mindanao. Takot lang sila na baka masali sila sa martial law kaya ganun,” he said.

Cristine Perez, a student from a state university here also said that that move of Martial law critics are deeply rooted on personal interests.

“Makasarili sila, kahit kalian walang pakialam ang Maynila sa Mindanao,” she said.

But, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Department of Education (DepEd) Supervisor Aquil Andog said that the declaration of martial law although helpful can’t truly serve justice for the victims of Maguindanao massacre.

He also shared that he is never trusting of the concerns expressed by the Martial Law critics in Manila. (Mark S. Ventura)