Netizens terrified or trusting of martial law in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on Tuesday, May 23, prompted by the attack of the Maute Group in Marawi City.

The announcement generated rapid-fire comments on social media, both negative and positive. This comes as no surprise, as martial law in the Philippines remains a hot-button topic after former dictator Ferdinand Marcos imposed it nationwide from 1972 to 1981.

Some netizens reacted to Duterte's declaration with fear and indignation.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mindanao is a huge place. Declaring martial law for the entire island group places countless civilians and innocents at risk of state abuse.</p>&mdash; Joshua Chen Young (@josh4everyoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/josh4everyoung/status/867041738254204928">May 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Duterte?src=hash">#Duterte</a>&#39;s brand of justice: Vigilante Justice; his Rule of Law: Martial Law. He&#39;s a signature away from becoming a full-fledged dictator!</p>&mdash; Francis B. Baraan (@MrFrankBaraan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrFrankBaraan/status/863739313397170176">May 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Martial law was very traumatic to my Mom and her entire clan the last time it happened. This will bring back bad memories.</p>&mdash; metta alih anorsanas (@MettaAlih) <a href="https://twitter.com/MettaAlih/status/867055353258573824">May 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Martial Law, revised or not, has NEVER been for the people.</p>&mdash; fr e sh a voca do (@caylfranco) <a href="https://twitter.com/caylfranco/status/867055013465513984">May 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A sudden announcement of Martial Law is triggering me. I&#39;m scared to death. I don&#39;t k ow how this thing happens please <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrayForTheWholeWorld?src=hash">#PrayForTheWholeWorld</a></p>&mdash; infires.men (@unnieDarlene) <a href="https://twitter.com/unnieDarlene/status/867059881907437568">May 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Others, however, are cautiously in favor of the declaration.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Martial law would scare anyone in the Philippines. But I have put my trust in our President. I trust that he will not harm his homeland</p>&mdash; Juubin (@groweconomy_pls) <a href="https://twitter.com/groweconomy_pls/status/867047177444442112">May 23, 2017</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Martial law was made for situations like these. Let&#39;s just hope that this declaration will help diminish the situation in Marawi.</p>&mdash; Patricia (@_patriciaparas_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_patriciaparas_/status/867045462091509760">May 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pls lang. Martial Law is not a bad thing. This is a time of crisis.</p>&mdash; Julyanne Lomocso (@yanneeee) <a href="https://twitter.com/yanneeee/status/867058436604809216">May 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For the people who are deadass mad at Duterte about the Martial Law, PLEASE DO SHARE YOUR OWN WONDERFUL, MORE EFFECTIVE PLAN </p>&mdash; Brée  (@rubiabrianna) <a href="https://twitter.com/rubiabrianna/status/867056918577033216">May 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not today, yellowtards. Martial law in Marawi is necessary and let&#39;s give the old man credit for being proactive and agile. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrayForMarawi?src=hash">#PrayForMarawi</a></p>&mdash; Poulla Dulay (@Poullala) <a href="https://twitter.com/Poullala/status/867057523332833280">May 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Guys. Martial Law is only problematic IF ABUSED. There is a crisis happening and we need to trust our government to do their job.</p>&mdash; Mel (@mamamelf) <a href="https://twitter.com/mamamelf/status/867043276116774913">May 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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