City, church support on no backpack rule lauded

The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) said the “no backpack” policy on places of worship strengthens the implementation of Martial Law.
Maj. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., EastMinCom commander, said the reinforcing advisory of the Archdiocese of Davao City issued by Archbishop Romulo Valles and order of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio supporting the policy will help make their jobs easier when it comes to securing the public.
Last Sunday, 18 individuals were killed and 87 others were wounded when the Jolo cathedral was rocked by two explosions.
“It provides our implementing units additional legal basis and authority in preventing terrorism, and ensuring the safety and well-being of our people,” he added. “We want to assure everyone that our soldiers assisting the police will be prudent in the implementation of the policy.”
In his command directive, Santos urged soldiers to be sensitive to culture and gender in the implementation of security measures.
“The security of everyone matters, we must, however, be gender and culturally sensitive,” he said. “Always be reminded to adhere to the principles we have set in the implementation of Martial Law which are rule of law, necessity, proportionality, and respect for human rights.”