THE country’s oldest business group on Thursday came out in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao, saying terrorism needed to be wiped out to allow economic development. On Thursday, economic and political experts said martial law in Mindanao, even for just 60 days, would be good for the country, saying it would stabilize the nation, allow consistency of policies, and bring peace and order resulting in business productivity. Although martial law is confined to Mindanao, it will have good spillover effects in the Visayas and Luzon, they said, noting that the Abu Sayyaf in recent months was able to spread terror in Bohol and Palawan islands in the Visayas. He was referring to the Maute group that occupied some areas in Marawi since Tuesday. They are moving and so the problem is spreading since people where they go are misplaced.”Siy, a businessman, said martial law does not matter at all for businessmen.

Source: Manila Times May 25, 2017 16:18 UTC