The “gross” and “systematic” violation of human rights in Mindanao would certainly escalate as the military continues to take over amid the extension of martial law in the region until end of 2018, Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP) founder Jose Maria Sison said on Friday. Sison said martial law under President Rodrigo Duterte would surpass the rate and proportions of military rule under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. “As the unnecessary and egregious martial rule by Duterte will expand nationwide, the violations of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the people will surpass the rate and proportions of martial rule under the Marcos fascist dictatorship,” Sison said in a statement on Thursday. According to Sison, the President plans to achieve this by concentrating attacks on Communist rebels in Mindanao, and then in Luzon and in Visayas should when Mr. Duterte decides to expand martial law nationwide. On Tuesday, Congress overwhelmingly authorized Duterte’s request for the extension of martial rule in Mindanao from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 14, 2017 07:52 UTC