With or without martial law, it is clear that the government has the primary obligation to ensure the safety and protect the rights of all people. Before 2018 ended, both houses of Congress approved the extension of martial law until the end of 2019. Confronted with the recent bombings in Zamboanga and Jolo, we will have yet to objectively assess the effect of martial law on the ground––a question that is also before the Supreme Court. We continue to express faith in the capability of our security forces. But recent events should not, in any way, be construed as reason for a nationwide imposition of martial law.