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COPYREADING AND HEADLINE WRITING - English

INSTRUCTIONS: ​Using the standard Associated Press symbols, edit the news article written by
Bong Santisteban for Rappler on June 12, 2017. Provide 2 appropriate headlines, both free
style, and should not exceeding 35 units per deck.

ZAMBOANGA CITY Philippines – The governments Chief Peace Negotiator appealed to

residents of Zamboanga City on Monday, June 12, to support President Rodrigo Duterte's

declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao but to remain vigilant of abuses at all times.

Secretary Jesus Medialdea of the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Peace Process (OPPA),

along with Zamboanga City Mayor CLIMACO, lead the flag raising and wrath laying ceremony

at Zamboanga City Hall during the city’s commemoration of the 118th anniversary of the

declaration of Philippine independence.

“It is very important that we support martial law. Support it, but remain vigilant. Hindi p'wede

'yung may nakita kang pag-abuso tapos quiet ka na lang (It is not acceptable to stay silent when

you witness abuses),” Medialdea said President Duterte declared martial law on the whole of

Mindanao on May 24 following the clash among government troops and local terrorist groups in

Marawi City, Lanao del Norte. The following day, May 25, Duterte said he might expand martial

law across the entire country if the threat of the terrorist Islamic State (ISIS) persists.
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This is the first time since the regime of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos that the country is

celebrating Independence Day with a portion of it under martial law.

Zamboanga themself was be sieged by National Moro Liberation Front fighters in 2015

On Monday, Medialdea said that the martial law that is currently implemented is different from

the one declared by Marcos, citing the parameters stated in the 1986 Constitution. “This (Martial

Law) is actually to protect civilians,” he added.

This however contradicted an earlier statement made by Duterte when he said that the martial

law in Mindanao will be no different from martial law during the time of Ferdinand Marcos.

During his talk Medialdea also honors the fallen soldiers in Marawi. He mentioned Lieutenant

John Sabillano who reported the recovery of about P53,000,000 in cash, and was killed in a few

days later

He also shared the story of Prvt. 1st class Dhan Ryan Bayot who asked his commander to

bomb his location encircled by members of the Maute Group.

“These are simple acts of heroism that we must recall and remember," she said

For questions about this activity, you may send your inquiries to ​jieven.santisteban@rappler.com