SECURITY officials are considering proposals to reduce the scope of martial law in Mindanao, but maintained calls for its extension before it lapses on July 23.
At the sidelines of a gun show opening in Mandaluyong City, Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa insisted that they would be asking for an extension of martial law, based on his last conversation with Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año.
“We might reduce its scope. [AFP chief General Eduardo Año] and I spoke about the possibility of reducing its scope or [having] martial law over the whole of Mindanao still,” Dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa said they need to submit their recommendation to President Rodrigo Duterte before martial law lapses on July 23.
“The military will have their own perspective—for tactical reasons or strategic reasons, why martial law should be extended,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino. “On my side, from the law enforcement perspective, what are the investigative reasons we need to extend it. We will make our position paper.”
Duterte on May 23 placed the entire Mindanao under martial rule following clashes between government forces and Islamic State-inspired extremists in Marawi City.
The basis of his declaration was challenged before the Supreme Court, but the high tribunal upheld the constitutionality of martial law in a majority decision.
On Wednesday, Dela Rosa said that martial law should be extended for another 60 days or the maximum period allowed by law, as the problems caused by Islamic State-inspired terrorists have not yet been fully addressed.
“If the law allows 60 more days, [then it’s] 60 days. If the problem can’t be solved for another 60 more days, then we’ll apply for another extension,” Dela Rosa told Manila Standard in a chance interview.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla however, insisted that before martial law in Mindanao can be extended, a detailed assessment on the prevailing security situation has to be done.
“We have stated our position that the AFP will conduct an assessment on the need to extend or not martial law. That assessment will then recommend our position for the Commander-in-Chief’s perusal and approval. Let us wait for that. Whatever the Commander-in-Chief’s decision is, the AFP will be ready to comply and implement,” Padilla said.
Once the AFP finishes its assessment and recommendations, these will be forwarded to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is also martial law administrator. He will forward the findings to Duterte for review.
“The declaration of martial law goes out of effect at the end of 60 days and the recommendation and decision to extend it must done before it ends,” Padilla added.
Under the 1987 Constitution, martial law is limited for 60 days and needs the approval of Congress for any extension. With PNA