President Duterte might be “persuaded” to seek another extension of martial law in Mindanao amid the support from the military, police, and residents of the region, Malacañang said Monday.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo affirmed that the President’s main consideration for any martial law declaration would always be the safety of the people.
“Of course the President will always evaluate whatever recommendations the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police will give him but given the support of martial law in Mindanao, you have a Catholic bishop and the citizens there, the President may be persuaded to grant to approve the recommendation,” Panelo said during a news conference in Malacanang.
“But of course, again that’s the prerogative of the President,” he added.
Asked about the President’s considerations on the martial law proclamation, Panelo said: “The basis always will be the safety of the people there. If the threat remains and there is still an ongoing rebellion, then constitutionally the basis will be valid for continuation of martial law.”
The military will reportedly recommend to the President the extension of martial law in Mindanao for another year reportedly to deal with lingering terror threats.
Outgoing Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Monday they made the decision following the recommendation submitted by Regional Public Order Councils, local government units, and even the Commission on Elections and other agencies.
“We will be recommending, we will recommending,” Galvez told reporters. “Yes for another year so that we can substantially make significant…significant dent on terrorism,” he added.
Galvez said extending martial law in Mindanao for another year will be their final position as there is really a clamor for its extension. “‘Yun ang magiging ano, position namin because there is really a clamor for the extension of martial law considering that terrorism is still lurking in the area,” Galvez said.
The outgoing AFP chief of staff, who will retire from the military at the age of 56 on Dec. 12, cited the recent bombing in Basilan and encounters in Sulu as reasons for extending martial law. (Genalyn D. Kabiling with a report from Francis Wakefield)