President Duterte is expected to announce on Thursday or Friday his decision on whether or not he would lift or seek the extension of martial law in Mindanao.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President’s decision would be made as soon as he completes his study on the recommendation to prolong the martial law declaration in the South.
“He will announce his decision today or tomorrow. He is still studying. Wait for the announcement,” Panelo said.
Martial law was declared in Mindanao in May 2017 to quell threats of rebellion and lawless violence following the terror siege in Marawi City. Congress has approved the President’s previous request to extend martial law until Dec. 31, 2018.
The President recently said his decision on martial law situation in Mindanao would depend on the recommendation of the military and the police.
“They are the guys on the ground. I’m here in Pasig River. I am not aware of the nitty-gritty happenings all over the country,” Duterte said in an interview with reporters last Monday.
The House of Representatives will not think twice in extending martial law in Mindanao for another year until December 2019.
House Speaker Gloria M. Arroyo assured that the House will immediately act on the formal recommendation seeking to extend martial law in the southern Philippines.
“If it comes to our Chamber, I will recommend that we pass it,” she told reporters in an interview after attending the House Committee on Disaster Management deliberation on a House resolution seeking to enjoin all government agencies to affirm their commitment and support to facilitate the rebuilding of the cities, municipalities, and barangays in Northern Luzon severely affected by typhoon “Ompong” (international name “Mangkhut”) last September. (Genalyn Kabiling and Charissa L. Atienza)