By: Charissa L. Atienza
Support for the proposed extension of the 60-day Martial Law in Mindanao snowballed in the House of Representatives.
More House leaders gave in yesterday to the idea of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to extend Martial Law in Mindanao until 2022, the end of President Duterte’s term.
“We will work on extending Martial Law in Mindanao should the situation call for it,” House Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu said in an interview.
“President Duterte deserves the support of Congress to finally end the Marawi crisis. We believe on the Chief Executive’s determination to end the conflict and he has no tendency of abusing his authority,” he said.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, and Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, chairman of the House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries, also rallied behind the proposed extension of Martial Law to address terrorism in Mindanao.
“I will support any extension as long as there is still imminent threat of terrorism, rebellion, and invasion perpetrated by ISIS, Maute Group, and Abu Sayyaf Group,” Barbers said.
Evardone said he will support Martial Law extension “if the situation warrants for it.”