No martial law extension in Mindanao — Duterte

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte is not inclined to extend martial law in Mindanao. 

“Yang martial law, martial law, wala yan. Kalokohan yan. Bugok lang na presidente gagamit niyan. It’s an overused, abused word, martial law and... its practice,” the President said during a situation briefing in Legazpi City on Friday.

“We will not allow it. I am sure. My military will not allow it. My police will not allow it,” Duterte added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had earlier recommended the lifting of martial law in Mindanao, citing the assessment of police and military officials.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and police officials said there is no need to extend martial law due to improving security situation in the region.

Security officials also cited the significant drop in the crime rate in strategic areas and the weakening of Abu Sayyaf bandits and other terrorist groups with the neutralization of their leaders and surrender of their members amid relentless military operations.

Martial law in Mindanao, which was declared in October 2017 after Maute militants attacked Marawi, has been extended thrice. The third extension will expire on Dec. 31.

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said another extension is unlikely in view of Lorenzana’s recommendation.

Go said martial law need not be extended if the proposed Human Security Act becomes a law. “Baka pumasa naman po ito sa Senado. I am a member of the committee on national defense. Pinag-uusapan namin ito,” he said.