Mindanao bishops are “not against” the imposition of martial law in Mindanao but said it should be “temporary” and the public should be vigilant against possible abuses.

The Palace welcomed the position of Mindanao bishops, even seeing it as a form of support for martial law in the Southern Philippines. “The government appreciates support from all sectors, no matter how nuanced,” Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement.