Guevarra: DOJ supports further extension of martial law in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said there is no reason to doubt the truthfulness of military and police reports on the security situation in Mindanao.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recommended the third extension of martial law in Mindanao.

The recommendation made by both the police and the military has prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to ask that the south be placed under martial law for another year.

“We have no reason to doubt the truthfulness of the reports of our armed forces on the continued existence of rebellion and the requirement of public safety in Mindanao,” Guevarra told reporters.

“For as long as the factual basis subsists, the DOJ supports the further extension of martial law in Mindanao,” he added.  /muf