President Rodrigo Duterte has received from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) the recommendations for the extension of martial law in Mindanao.
During the flag-raising ceremony at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa said, the PNP submitted its position on martial law to Malacañang last Friday.
In the paper, the PNP cited that government has yet to account for the narco-politicians who back the Maute terrorist group.
It also said, the PNP still needs to stop the proliferation of loose firearms in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur.
Dela Rosa says, they did not specify the number of days that martial law should be extended.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had also submitted last Thursday his department’s recommendation for martial law extension.
These papers will form part of the basis for the President’s decision on whether or not to prolong the period for martial law and the suspension of the privilege of writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao, which began last May 23.
The 60-day martial law in Mindanao will expire on Saturday, July 22.
The President is expected to announce his decision before that day.
Duterte may also opt to make a decision on or before his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24.