FORMER Marcos administration official has sounded the alarm over escalating peace and order problems in Davao City.
[“So, building momentum for a possible martial law declaration?”] That’s one theory and that’s entirely possible,” Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Former Press Secretary remarks.
This message was blatantly conveyed by the current administration through the PNP-CIDG and Special Action Force raids on the five Kingdom of Jesus Christ compounds in Davao and Sarangani.
For former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, there was no sufficient basis to send a battalion of police to the KOJC compounds since the church members were not armed.
The authorities carried arrest warrants, not search warrants.
However, the five compounds were raided simultaneously on Monday morning, June 10.
The KOJC members were surprised by the authorities’ entry, resulting in a commotion.
“Because it’s like they’re trying to make it appear that these people are lawless. They will use the videos, of course, the residents are justifiably concerned. Why are we being invaded? We don’t know the reason, maybe you’re armed? You have long guns and you suddenly enter here?” Cruz-Angeles added.
Angeles said that the commotion that happened could be used as a basis for declaring martial law.
Including the repeated return of authorities to the KOJC compound to serve the arrest order on Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy.
Armed police officers searching for a pastor who has no trace of violence and carries only a Bible, preaching the message of God’s love.
“Use that video… repeat it in other media. Then they don’t leave, what will they say? Of course, the situation is tense… We’re not here to serve the warrant, but we’re here to quell public disturbance. Oh, so there’s an established public disturbance. Oh? Just a little more,” Cruz-Angeles stressed.
The Supreme Court has safeguards preventing authorities from using excessive force in operations.
An example is the 1987 Mendiola Massacre, where 13 farmers died in a violent dispersal by authorities.
The Supreme Court stated that authorities must exercise restraint and avoid using excessive force in operations. In this case, the Supreme Court held that “law enforcement authorities must exercise restraint and avoid unnecessary use of force”.
Precedents of Excessive Force
Historically, the misuse of military or militarized force in law enforcement has led to tragic consequences and public outcry. The Mendiola Massacre (G.R. No. 90933, November 11, 1993) serves as a grim reminder of the perils of excessive use of force. In this case, the Supreme Court held that “law enforcement authorities must exercise restraint and avoid unnecessary use of force.” – Source: Atty. Arnedo Valera.
“This is intimidation. It’s like a reminder to those who are stubborn that we can do this to you,” Cruz-Angeles added.
Cruz-Angeles also questioned the government’s lack of explanation regarding the incident at KOJC.
Additionally, there are reports that Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte is allegedly facing a suspension order.
The war on drugs in Davao is also an issue, with police involved in operations being dismissed.
Congress is being asked to investigate drug use among Davao City Hall employees.
“If they still care about what people think. But now, you see there’s no communication. No one is explaining, no one is mitigating. So, what can we conclude here politically? They want this. They want to show they have force. They want to show they are strong,” Cruz-Angeles added
Finally, Cruz-Angeles clarified that martial law requires a military takeover.
However, the public sees the build-up of a martial law scenario, especially with the consecutive negative publicity in Davao City.
Ex-Press Secretary Cruz-Angeles: Martial Law necessitates military rule, not PNP
“No, martial law is military… But as though… like martial law light. Like that? Martial law zero, like Coke zero… like that. Because you’re not using military forces but there’s still concern about lawless elements. Right?” Cruz-Angeles stated.
