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AMID MARTIAL LAW IN MINDANAO

AFP to exercise ‘right to censure’ over security considerations


The Armed Forces of the Philippines will "censure" media outlets and social media posts based on national security considerations and two other factors amid the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.

At a press briefing in Davao City, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. said the military had not recommended the suspension of the freedom of expression but it will exercise "the right to censure" based on the following:

  • To ensure the safety of lives
  • To ensure operational security and the safety of our men in uniform who are fighting
  • For other national security considerations

Padilla said the move would include social media posts to avoid spread of misinformation.

“Yes, it will cover social media. The reason these guidelines have to be set, to be given and censure part is because of the things we have been seeing in the operational environment,” Padilla said.

“You yourselves have seen that tremendous disinformation clouds or creates a thick fog of war that does not allow a better operational picture or provide a better operational picture of the battlefield. And this is one that creates a lot of collateral damage which we want to avoid,” he added.

After an ISIS-inpsired group attacked Marawi City on May 23, the AFP asked the public to refrain from posting information online that could worsen the situation in affected areas. —NB, GMA News

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