CHR urges thorough assessment of martial law extension in Mindanao

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) recommended on Wednesday a “thorough assessment” of the plan to extend martial law in Mindanao beyond Dec. 31 this year, saying that human rights violations are rampant in the region.

“There is a need for a thorough assessment of its effectiveness and a clear response to alleged cases of human rights violations, including the continuing condition of internal displacement in the region,” CHR said in a statement on Thursday.

“There is a need to be cautious of compounding justifications for its extension, considering that a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence was also declared in Mindanao prior to the martial law declaration,” CHR said.

Lawless violence leads to acts related to terrorism and violent extremism.

The CHR also said that peace and order are important conditions for the “conduct of any political exercise such as elections and even the expected plebiscite anywhere in the country.”

The commission echoed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief General Carlito Galvez’ position that the recommendation to extend martial law was “premature.”

“We agree with AFP Chief General Carlito Galvez that at this point, it is premature to recommend the extension of martial law,” it said.

On May 23, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after Islamic State followers clashed with government troops in Marawi City.

At the request of the President, Congress twice extended martial law. The first extension ended on December 31, 2017 while the second extension will end on December 31 this year.

The Senate will also assess if there is a need to extend martial law in the region beyond the end of the year.

READ: Gatchalian: Martial law scary only at first glance