Dela Rosa in favor of Mindanao martial law extension

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police Director General Ronald "Bato” dela Rosa is inclined to recommend the extension of martial law in Mindanao, days before it is expected to lapse under the Constitution.

"Basta ako kung tatanungin ako, extend pa," dela Rosa said at a press briefing on Tuesday at Camp Crame in Quezon City. ("If I were to be asked, I'd tell them to extend it.")

Dela Rosa said he will have to discuss the matter with Armed Forces chief of staff Eduardo Año before their meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dela Rosa and Año will brief Duterte about the situation in Marawi where around 100 members of Maute terror-group are still holding some parts of the conflict-stricken city. Duterte himself has said that he will decide on whether to extend the 60-day military rule in Mindanao based on the two officials' reports.

The nation's top cop, meanwhile, opposed the idea of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to stretch the military rule for five more years or until 2022.

"May usapan naman kami ni Año, pero hindi five years, 60-60 lang," dela Rosa said. "Basta kung kami mag-recommend within legal parameters." ("Año and I agreed that it can be extended by 60 days, not by five years.")

Dela Rosa, however, still has not drafted his recommendation.

On Tuesday afternoon, Dela Rosa visited the Senate to urge senators to extend martial law after two months of clashes between the military and a terrorist coalition in Mindanao's Marawi City.

The president must seek approval from the both chambers of the Congress if he wishes to extend martial law beyond its 60-day limit under the 1987 charter. He declared martial law in May while on his official visit to Russia.