Ni: Jeffrey G. Damicog
Isinisi ng Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) sa pulis at militar ang malawakang nakawan sa Marawi City.
“As a consequence of the illegal searches and seizures, rampant loss of valuable personal belongings of innocent and helpless civilians have been reported,” saad sa pahayag ng IBP Lanao del Sur Chapter.
“Residential and commercial establishments have been laid open to looters all over the besieged city,” ayon pa sa statement.
Sinabi ng IBP na “the wholesale illegal searches and seizures-unparalleled in its magnitude for even the Marcos years of Martial rule pales in comparison.”
Dahil dito, ipinahayag ng IBP Lanao del Sur ang kanilang “severe outrage and condemnation over illegal searches and seizures in Marawi City by military men, police and other law enforcement agencies which results in rampant loss and deprivation of properties and possessions of innocent civilians.”
Ayon sa IBP, nakatanggap sila ng mga report na pilit pinasok ang mga bahay at mga establisimyento nang walang search warrants kahit na ang mga nasabing lugar ay walang bakas na may kinalaman sa Maute Group.
Bukod diyan, sinabi ng IBP na pilit pinasok ang mga establisyemento “without the presence of the media, the owners or any authorized persons”.
“As shown in video footages and pictures posted in social media, military men who committed these criminal acts in public exhibited no remorse,” ayon pa sa IBP. “And yet, no one raises a voice of dissent.”
Kaugnay nito, nanawagan ang IBP kay Martial Law Administrator, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, na “immediately stop searches and seizures without court warrants.”