Rody likely to extend Mindanao martial law

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte is likely to extend martial law in Mindanao beyond the 60-day period as clashes between government forces and Islamic militants in Marawi City continue.

On Friday, Duterte said he would only lift martial rule, which is to expire on July 22, if the military and police tell him the danger posed by the Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists has abated.

“Pag sinabi nila wala nang delikado (If they say it’s no longer dangerous) and everything is OK, then that is the time that we will lift martial law,” Duterte said, referring to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

“So, I have just to rely on the word of the Armed Forces and the police because they are the ones keeping this republic healthy and alive,” he said. 

Based on latest information he received from the police and the military, Duterte said the situation in Marawi City remains critical.

“I consulted them and they said it was critical,” he said, emphasizing it is only the military and the police who can tell him if things have improved or not.

But he said the offensive against the militants is winding down in Marawi City, which was attacked by hundreds of gunmen waving Islamic State (IS)-style black flags on May 23. Scores of gunmen are still holding hostages and continuing to fight in four areas of the city, the military said.

Lawmakers are urging Duterte to inform them officially of his intention – if there is any – to lift or extend martial law before he delivers his first State of the Nation Address before Congress on July 24.

Martial law in Mindanao would mark its 60th day on July 22, the period prescribed by the Constitution.

The battle for Marawi has killed more than 400 – including 94 troopers – and displaced over 200,000 residents.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said they are still assessing the situation to determine if there is a need to extend martial law.

“We will know this in a couple of weeks. We will make our own recommendation,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, military spokesman, also said they are not done yet with their assessment.

“But the recommendation that will be forwarded to the President, we guarantee that it would be something that is well thought of and will be something that will have basis. But the final decision will be a decision of the political leadership,” Padilla, in an earlier interview, said.

Meanwhile, the Lamitan City council wants martial law in Mindanao extended so that authorities could easily address security concerns, especially in Basilan.

Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay said the members of the Lamitan City council unanimously approved a resolution authored by Councilor Clarito San Juan seeking an extension of martial law.

Furigay said Lamitan City has benefited a lot from martial law, especially in the fight against criminality. He said the 45 barangays in the city were in favor of martial law.

Furigay said the crime rate in Lamitan has dropped significantly under martial law.

“There was no adverse effect and no abuses from the police and military,” he pointed out.

He said residents in Basilan have even convinced many Abu Sayyaf members to surrender to authorities.

He said Lamitan is wary of the possible spillover of the Marawi violence to other towns and cities in Mindanao.

“The implementation of martial law addressed head-on the terrorism and criminal problem and the momentum is on our side, so there’s a need to extend it because there is a need to end the problem of the IS and lawless elements,” Furigay said.

Furigay said the Department of Defense and the Office of the President would be given formal copies of the resolution tomorrow. –  With Roel Pareño