Statement of Sen. Cynthia Villar on the declaration of martial law in Mindanao

I am one with peace-loving Filipinos in condemning the acts of terrorism perpetrated by the Maute Group in Marawi.

As we await in the Senate a formal communication from the President on the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, I appeal for calm and urge our kababayan to refrain from sharing unverified information claiming to show the situation in Marawi, particularly in social media.

Disinformation will only cause division and panic among our countrymen and undermine the effort of government troops to quickly put the situation under control.

I also urge the public to pray for the safety of our soldiers and law enforcers as they go after the terrorists and hold them accountable for sowing fear and violence in Marawi.

For the sake of innocent lives caught in the cross fire, we are also praying for the restoration of peace and order in Marawi the soonest time possible.