MARTIAL LAW: It was imposed yesterday in Maguindanao,What's next?

I think people are more aware of the negative effects of martial law. I don't think the government will go beyond what the law mandates especially with all eyes watching all over the world. You can only enforce martial law up to a certain extent and I don't think the government can fool people from extending it to the rest of the country. So far i have yet to hear a casualty in connection to the governments declaration of martial which is a good thing. I think the main reason to declare martial is for the military to take control to declare peace. And so far it's been working. I just hope that after the ampatuans, the government will be able to put an honest to goodness politician who is not going to turn into another "ampatuans". Cheers!

hi anne, I'm unsure about our governments move about martial law, but since they can't find any great solution to control the situation in Maguindanao, they have made such action. I think it is necessary since, they have found a vast amount of armaments in that place. Strict implementation of law and extensive monitoring of the region are needed to control the possible things that may happen. But it's really sad, there are many Filipinos in Maguindanao who are completely innocent and was being drag in this awful situation. We all know how Martial Law affects someone's life and we experienced it before, what I ask for is the proper implementation of it...and not the Martial Law that kills hundreds of lives before. If it was just the Ampatuan who are the grave threat in our country then, our government should make its rule clear that other civilian must not be put in danger. I just hope that the whole Mindanao will not be affected by this because, it'll unfair for them...not all places in Mindanao is unsafe, there are cities that are far from war-like situation. I hope everyone will be safe! Take care anne!

I am also living here in Mindanao and quite close to Maguindanao. I am hoping the Martial Law wont be an excuse for so much abuse and won't be spread in other parts of Mindanao. I am just praying this won't last long and peace will be restored soon.

I am very sorry for this happening. I am from Cebu and I have known and mourned about the Maguindanao massacre, but hearing the declaration of Martial Arts by PGMA in your area was quite a surprise. I do not think Martial Arts should have been implemented. Although the massacre was a gruesome act, it is still an isolated case--very much rooted on political conflicts. Malacanang should have realized that there is more to Maguindanao than just the massacre. People will suffer even more.

I am very sorry for this happening. I am from Cebu and I have known and mourned about the Maguindanao massacre, but hearing the declaration of Martial Arts by PGMA in your area was quite a surprise. I do not think Martial Arts should have been implemented. Although the massacre was a gruesome act, it is still an isolated case--very much rooted on political conflicts. Malacanang should have realized that there is more to Maguindanao than just the massacre. People will suffer even more.

i'm not in favor with them imposing martial law in maguindanao since it will only absorbed the murder charges of the ampatuans. GMA is helping the Ampatuans. Gibo for president? he should be answerable also why the ampatuans have such a huge armory... remember his rank in GMA cabinet...

Let's hope it would remain in Maguindanao as Congress and Senate has not yet talked about it. It is supposed to be deliberated upon by these two legislative body and ratify its validity. As per announcement they are given 60 days and limited to Maguindanao. If there is a need to extend it then the congress has the power to do it and not the executive branch anymore. Many are saying its an overkill since there is no lawless violence in there. There may be in Jolo, Sulu bombing but not in Maguindanao. The Lawlessness in the place is still manageable.