PNP backs martial law extension, vows to go after 'narcopoliticians'

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa announced Monday that he has recommended the extension of martial law in Mindanao.

In a press briefing after the weekly flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame, Dela Rosa said he submitted the PNP's position paper to President Rodrigo Duterte last week.

“Meron kaming position paper na isinubmit last Friday expressing our stand on extending the martial law, pero hindi pa namin inilagay ang period up to when,” the PNP chief said. The original declaration, made on May 23, will lapse this month as the 1987 Constitution only allows the imposition of martial law for a maximum of 60 days unless Congress allows an extension. 

The House of Representatives and the Senate, which both opted against holding a joint session to discuss the declaration of martial law, is controlled by administration-led "supermajorities."

Dela Rosa added that the recommendation for an extension of martial law is for all of Mindanao, just as in the Duterte's declaration after the Maute terror group attacked Marawi City. Fighting in the city is still ongoing as government troops try to retake villages where terrorists have fortified themselves in.

READ:  Dela Rosa in favor of Mindanao martial law extension

'Martial law vs drugs'

Aside from neutralizing the ISIS-inspired group, the nation’s top cop wants to maximize military rule to also catch politicians engaged in illegal drugs.

"'We still have to account [for] the identified ‘narco-politicians’ who we believe to be supporting the cause of Maute group (who) are still at large.," dela Rosa continued. “Basta masiguro rin natin na hindi maglipana yung ilegal na droga."

Although martial law allows warrantless arrests, these are only allowed in cases related to invasion and rebellion, the justification for the declaration allowed by the 1987 Constitution. Martial law does not otherwise suspend the bill of rights, which prohibits warrantless arrests, searches and seizures in general. 

Dela Rosa also wants to control the rampant use of unregistered firearms, particularly in Marawi City and the province of Lanao del Sur.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, also gave his recommendation to Duterte on Thursday, but declined to divulge the details.