Senator Panelo “Ping” Lacson. INQUIRER PHOTO/ JAM STA ROSA
MANILA, Philippines — As a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Senator Panfilo Lacson said Wednesday that he was likely to agree for another extension of martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2019.
The statement of Lacson came shortly before the joint session of both chambers of Congress on martial law extension.
According to Lacson, he understands the situation of those living in the province of Mindanao as he had talks with security officials.
“Well, para malinaw lang ang pinanggagalingan ko ay galing rin naman ako sa military and nakausap ko yung mga chief of staff, incoming chief of staff, PNP, yung mga security official,” he said in an interview with dzMM.
“Nauunawaan ko yung kanilang predicament, yung kanilang situation, kaya I’m inclined to vote in favor for another extension,” he added.
President Rodrigo Duterte has called the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives to discuss the martial law extension.
In a letter addressed to Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Gloria Arroyo dated Dec. 6, Duterte said terrorist groups “continue to defy the government by perpetrating hostile activities” in Mindanao during the extended period of martial law.
READ: Duterte formally asks Senate, House to extend martial law in Mindanao
This is the third time that the President has requested Congress to extend martial law in the region.
The first time that Duterte submitted his request was in July 2017, asking the Congress to extend it until December 2017.
READ: Duterte wants martial law in Mindanao extended until end of 2017
The President then again requested for another extension until December 2018.
READ: Duterte formally asks Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao ‘til end of 2018
Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after the ISIS-inspired Maute Group laid siege in Marawi City in May 2017. /cbb
READ: Duterte declares martial law in South