Martial Law extension in Mindanao

Contributed Zephylyn G. Mallari- Balanga City,Bataan

 On May 23, President Rodrigo Duterte placed the whole Mindanao under martial law after hundreds of terrorist groups seized parts of Marawi City. These terrorist groups are the Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf. The declaration is effective for 60 days which have been upheld by the Supreme Court.

Martial Law is set to expire on July 22 and yet the purpose of declaring Martial Law has not been accomplished. The Philippine National Police has recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte the extension of martial law in Mindanao. As per PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa, they have already submitted their proposal regarding martial extension last Friday, July 14. He added that they also submitted a position paper expressing their stand on the extension of martial law. PNP made the recommendation because some narco politicians believed to be supporting the Maute terrorist group remained at large.

The military also submitted its own recommendation last Thursday, July 13 but Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana refused to give information on this matter.

“Let us wait for the President’s decision. It could be the same as mine or [different]. If different, detractors will pit us against each other again. It’s better to wait,” he told reporters.

On Saturday, July 22, 9 a.m. President Rodrigo Duterte called the Congress to a special session to “consider” the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao.