Mindanao martial law extension looms

December 2, 2017 | Written by Efren Montano

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is set to decide next week on the extension of martial law in Mindanao.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte would submit his decision to Congress before the chamber goes on Christmas break starting December 15.

“Inaantay pa rin po natin ang rekomendasyon ng Hukbong Sandatahan (We are still awaiting the recommendation of the Armed Forces) and because the national media is here, I have had prior consultations with the Armed Forces (and) the recommendations (will be out) next week,” Roque said in a press briefing in Zamboanga City.

“So the President will make a decision if not next week then the week after because Congress will go on recess on the 15th and as you know, we cannot have extension (of) martial law without (the) consent of Congress,” Roque said.

The spokesperson said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has finished its consultation with stakeholders and would just need to submit its recommendation to the President.

“I didn’t want to say it now because mape-preempt ‘yung aking (it would preempt my) press briefing sa Lunes (on Monday). And I’m going to read verbatim already what was given to me by the AFP.

“Mayroon na pong binigay sa aking statement, Monday ko na po babasahin yan (I have received the statement and I will read it on Monday),” he said.

 While no final decision has yet been made, Roque said that the martial law extension would ensure the safety of the citizens in Marawi City and nearby areas.

 Earlier, Task Force Bangon Marawi chief Eduardo del Rosario backed the extension of martial law up to the rehabilitation phase of the war-torn Marawi City to ensure the continuous reconstruction of the city.

 Del Rosario aired his stand following reports of massive recruitment of Islamic State-inspired terror groups.