Gloria Arroyo guarantees House approval of martial law extension

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday guaranteed the approval by the House of Representatives of the recommendation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to extend by another year martial law in Mindanao.

“If it comes to our chamber, I will recommend that we pass it,” she told reporters in a chance interview, adding they are just awaiting the formal request from President Duterte on the matter.

For their part, Reps. Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte, Michael Romero of 1Pacman party-list and LRay Villafuerte of Camarines Sur have also expressed their all-out support for another extension, insisting that peace and order is crucial in the conflict-ridden region.

“I will support the extension of martial law if only to maintain peace in the island,” Barbers, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, said. He clarified there is nothing wrong with it for as long as this can be justified under the circumstances.

Romero is concerned not just about the safety of Muslims and Christians alike but also about the local economy.

“Businesses should thrive. Peace of mind is priceless. If there is peace, then there is stability. And with stability comes progress,” he said.

Villafuerte, who sits as vice chairman of the House committee on national defense and security, underscored the need for the executive department to make a formal request to Congress – Senate and House of Representatives – for such an extension.

“We should give more weight to the inputs of the people living in Mindanao in considering a request for the extension of martial law. Mindanaoans are the ones experiencing what it’s like to live under martial law for a year-and-a-half now,” he said.

“So Mindanaoans would have a better grasp of what is an acceptable option for them for continued peace and security,” the Bicolano congressman, who is also vice chairman of the House committee on local government, said.

PNP, AFP sign recommendation

As this developed, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the AFP have signed a document recommending the extension of martial law in Mindanao for one more year, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said yesterday.

Albayalde said he had already put his signature on the document together with his counterpart in the military, AFP chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.

“We have just a signed a document together with the outgoing AFP chief of staff recommending the extension of martial law in Mindanao for another year,” Albayalde said in a television interview over CNN Philippines.

He did not say, however, if they have submitted the document to Duterte.

“The recommendation of the AFP and the PNP is for the extension of martial law maybe for another year for Mindanao, no expansion, but of course, it will be up to the President,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in mixed Filipino and English in a chance interview at the awarding for child-friendly municipalities and cities yesterday.

“Once it is with the President, he may change it, add to (the provisions) or he may change them, or remove some,” Año said.

Once Duterte has made a decision, the Office of the President will have at least one week to submit its recommendation to Congress, if needed, for the concurrence of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. – With Emmanuel Tupas, Christina Mendez, Ben Serrano