A police spokesman said Sunday that expectations of intensified rebel attacks during the 2019 elections prompted the Philippine National Police and the military to recommend an extension of martial law in Mindanao.
In an interview with radio dzBB, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Benigno Durana said the rebel activity was expected to continue beyond the May 2019 elections, and that the police would be in a better position to handle this if martial law—which expires Dec. 31, 2018—were extended by a year.
He added, however, that Congress would have the final say.
“We are not here to implement the law or interpret policy. We just have to provide the necessary input and allow our leaders and politicians in Congress to decide if there really is a need to extend… martial law for another year,” he said.
In a separate interview also on radio dzBB, Senator Richard Gordon said rebel groups such as the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were still terrorizing parts of Mindanao, which could be a basis for extending martial law.
But Gordon also wanted limitations put in because he didn’t want the government to turn to martial law every time there was a problem.
Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law on May 23, 2017 after the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group overran Marawi City.
Congress, responding to requests from the President, has already extended martial law twice.
Gordon said he expected to see some evidence justifying the extension of martial law again, and to determine if there were really an imminent threat when military and police officials brief both chambers of Congress on Wednesday.
House Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, however, said the approval of the extension was a mere formality.
“We’ve seen no shooting. But it does not mean that Mindanao is safe from the recurrence of terrorism similar of that Marawi crisis. The police and military analyze and understand the situation. And let’s give that option to them. I urge my colleagues to adhere to their request,” he said.
Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo gave President Rodrigo Duterte the assurance that Congress would likely grant the extension.
“If it comes to our chamber, I will recommend that we pass it,” she said.
House Majority Floor Leader and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. added: “If the President will ask for it, then chances are it shall be given.”
READ: Duterte asks Congress to extend ML in Mindanao