SEN. JV EJERCITO ON PRESIDENT DUTERTE'S DECLARATION OF MARTIAL LAW IN MINDANAO

I condemn the lawless violence and terrorist attacks perpetrated by the Maute Group. It is time for government forces to put an end to the violence that has prevented Mindanao from achieving the progress its people deserves.

I pray that our kababayans in Marawi City remain safe amidst this assault by lawless elements.

I support President Duterte's decision to cut short his official visit to Russia in order to deal with this problem.

The President -- exercising his military powers provided for in the 1987 Constitution -- has also declared martial law in the whole of Mindanao. As a member of the Senate of the Philippines, I assure our people that I will do my constitutional duty. As soon as the President submits his report, we are duty-bound to decide whether to revoke or extend the declaration.

I will base my decision solely on the welfare and interest of Mindanaoans and the people of the Republic of the Philippines.