President Rodrigo Duterte declared Martial Law in the entire Mindanao on May 23 after the Islamic terrorist group Maute sieged Marawi City on the same day.

It was a controversial political move for a president like Duterte. He was already warned by his opponents about Martial Law even before the 2016 presidential elections.

Now that he already declared it, several protesters went to the street to express their resistance of Martial Law. Mostly Liberal Party lawmakers and other officials on national television, basically saying “it suppresses human rights”, and can lead to abuses.

President Duterte is unmoved and even got a majority backing of 15 senators. They submitted a resolution on May 29 also to express their support of the Mindanao-wide Martial Law. Two other senators who didn’t sign the resolution for some reason, also side with the President’s declaration, that brings a total of 17 senators.

Duterte’s Martial Law is based under the 1987 constitution, and is only limited up to 60 days,  can only be extended with the approval of Congress. While Ferdinand Marcos brand of Martial Law took 9 years. There were a number of abuses of human rights on civilians by the military.

Majority of the Mindanaoans have no qualms about Martial Law. Although, it’s too early to make a conclusion on its day 8, but I myself and other Iligan City residents have to see an abuse perpetuated by the military or police.

This smiling cop even asked me to photograph him. Surely, not an abuse.

The lady cop checking the bags here, was even courteous and smiling.

This picture was photographed on a different day. The police were all nice. There was no harsh shouting at the people lining up.

Women and men are separated. No covered faces for Muslim women.

This a reporter from the notorious anti-Duterte news website Rappler.

Trucks, trailers to small vehicles are all inspected. Drivers and passengers are asked to get out.

Men are frisked before moving on.

Motorcycle riders are told to open the compartment below the seat for inspection.

The police in the middle of the photo is holding the wanted list.

These people appear to be in okay. Definitely, not abused at all.

Habal-habal drivers waiting for passengers.

This woman was mistakenly left behind by her bus after the inspection. So she has to ride the habal-habal to catch up.

Fruit vendor taking advantage of the throngs of people at the check point in Tominobo highway in Iligan City.

Depending on the time and day, a vehicle spends time of about 30 minutes to 2 hours before moving on.

This police would randomly ask the people some questions like his “address”.

The van is a GMA News service.

The photos below are taken in the city’s central business district. Practically, all businesses are open, but most close earlier than usual.

This street is where Arbee’s bakeshop, Pop Rock and Epay’s are located.

Metrobank building located along Aguinaldo Street.

Public transportation have become slightly scarce especially for those going to Barangay Suarez where the check point is located.

The Iligan Central Market in downtown area.

At the old Gaisano department store in downtown area.

At Quezon Avenue Extension in Pala-o.

Quezon Avenue in downtown.

I usually see two policemen in every corner of the business area of the city.

Public commuting appears in normal operations.

The two policemen in combat uniforms are probably trainees, and one regular police posted at Dunkin Donuts.

This photo was shot on Sunday May 28. Catholic worshipers don’t mind the terror and Martial Law.

Famous food brand Red Ribbon is open, but closes earlier than usual.

Ukay-ukay store at Quezon Avenue.

Five policemen posted at Quezon Avenue extension in Pala-o.

Well, there. It looks like there is mostly normalcy in Iligan under Martial Law.