Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines—Rebellion still persists in Mindanao and not extending martial law will “frustrate” the progress of the region’s peace and order situation, Malacañang said Friday.
“The Palace confirms that the President has requested Congress to approve the further extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao for another year starting next month,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
READ: Duterte ‘may be persuaded’ to extend martial law in Mindanao — Palace
With martial law in Mindanao, Panelo said: “we have achieved substantial progress in addressing the rebellion in Mindanao, as well as promoting the overall security and peace and order situation therein, which even led to noteworthy economic developments in the locality.”
“Despite these, however, rebellion still persists and the public safety compels our Commander-in-Chief to push through with the exercise of these constitutionally-sanctioned powers in order to serve and protect our nation and its people,” he said.
“A halt may only frustrate the progress we are witnessing in Mindanao and may even strengthen the rebellion and propel it to other parts of the country,” he added.
The Palace official said “the request to extend martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao has already been communicated by the President to the leadership of both Houses of Congress.”
“While it is now up to Congress to decide on whether this initiative by the President is justified or not, we are positive that it will share our views as ours are purely intended for the general welfare of our brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” he said. /jpv