Government soldiers based in Marawi City
ILIGAN CITY, Philippines – The Local Government of Iligan City is relieved that the city’s economy is now recovering.
Iligan City Vice Mayor Jemar Cruz said during the first months since the liberation of Marawi City from terrorist influence, establishment owners struggled really hard to recover their losses, especially night traders, due to the implementation of curfew hours. But the local government has seen some positive outcome.
“Ang meron complaint (the ones complaining) are actually middle entrepreneurs, restaurants at mga (and) bars. Ang ganda nga nito, wala ng mga (The good thing is, there are no more) night bars. Wala ng mga (No more) ‘vice bars’ kasi sarado na (because they all closed down),” said Vice Mayor Cruz.
Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque on Friday, May 25, noted the significant progress in the economy of Mindanao region which, according to him, is an indication that Martial Law has no adverse effects on the residents of Mindanao.
“Napakalakas ng economic growth ng mga siyudad dito sa Mindanao. So ibig sabihin number one, walang negative na epekto ang Martial Law kasi wala naming malawakang abuso na naire-report,” said Roque.
(Economic growth is strong in the cities of Mindanao. This means martial law has no negative effects because there are no widespread abuses being reported.)
Meanwhile, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez said it is not yet time to recommend the lifting of the Martial Law in Mindanao even if the atmosphere in the region has now become peaceful.
“Nakakausap namin mga tao, they love martial law. Iyong mga peace-loving people nakita nila ang remarkable improvements ng peace and order dahil iyong baril di na nakikita sa kalsada,” said General Galvez.
(We talk to people; they love martial law. Peace-loving people have seen the remarkable improvement in peace and order because this time, you do not see guns in the street anymore.)
Vice Mayor Cruz said they see nothing wrong with the extension of the implementation of Martial law because it actually helps in preventing terror activities and criminalities in the city. – Weng Fernandez / Marje Pelayo
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