7-month martial law extension in Mindanao sought

MANILA, Philippines — An administration lawmaker from Mindanao yesterday moved to extend martial law in the region for seven months or until June 2019.

Iligan City Rep. Frederick Siao filed House Resolution 2302, citing reports of terrorist plots that may affect next year’s 2019 mid-term elections. 

“The IS, their collaborators among lawless armed groups, and the illegal drug networks operating in Mindanao want to sow terror in pursuit of their twisted objectives,” Siao said, referring to the terrorist Islamic State.

He filed the measure, citing the violent incidents that occurred in their areas like the ambush of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agents in Lanao del Sur. 

“The masterminds and perpetrators of lawless violence either do not want the elections to happen or they want to prevent some candidates from getting elected into office,” he said.

Siao is a member of the House committee on public order and safety. 

Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte said the government and Congress should listen to the clamor of Mindanao residents for another extension of martial law.

“We should give more weight to the inputs of the people living in Mindanao in considering a request for the extension of martial law on the island. Mindanao residents are the ones experiencing what it’s like to live under martial law,” Villafuerte said. 

Malacañang has yet to formally ask Congress to extend martial law, which will end on Dec. 31. 

Villafuerte, who hinted that he is “inclined to support a third extension of martial law,” said the people in Mindanao have a better grasp of what is an acceptable option for them to have continued peace and security. 

He said people have no reason to be apprehensive over the possible extension of martial law, as there have been no reports of widespread abuses by the military or police since it was first imposed in May last year.