The President of the League of Cities of the Philippines said yesterday that it is in full support of the President's efforts to protect the integrity of the Republic.

LCP president and Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday called on all the people to rally behind the President after her declaration of a State of Emergency, saying these are times when the people should all be united and support the duly constituted authority. Unless the people follow the rule of law, the county will become a Banana Republic, he said.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, meanwhile, said the mayors go for the duly-constituted authority and believe that they have to do their share. Without the participation of the LGU officials, Leonardia said he believes it will be very hard for the nation to be stabilized.

Leonardia said all local government officials should also see to it that nothing goes out of bound, and try to be as calm as possible so that they will not add to the tension in Manila.

Leonardia said the President has declared a State of Emergency which he believes is temporary in nature. Probably it is a necessary tool of government to be able to maintain the stability of the nation, he said.

Leonardia said the situation in Bacolod, as of the moment, is very stable and the authorities are well in control, while business continues as usual. He said the rallyists are free to raise their voices and express their sentiments as long as they do not violate the rights of others.

Leonardia said he met with Bacolod police director Senior Supt. Pedro Merced yesterday and they assure the public that the police is in control. The police have been on alert status since Thursday evening but they will exercise maximum tolerance on all public activities, he said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Ignacio Arroyo said the congressmen are fully supportive of the President's action, including all the mayors in the fifth district.

"I appeal to the people of Negros to be sober," he said, adding that they can be assured that the local officials are doing their best to ease the situation. He also expressed confidence that the problem will be resolved.

Arroyo also said the people should not panic or be worried. "Remember that the President had declared a state of rebellion before and people were saying she might declare Martial Law but these were unfounded," he said. "To declare a state of Martial Law, the President will need the approval of Congress," he added.*CGS

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