‘Bato’ inclined to recommend martial law extension

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (L) talks to Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald Dela Rosa (R). AFP FILE PHOTO

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is inclined to recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte an extension of martial law imposed over Mindanao to facilitate rebuilding efforts in the region.

At a press briefing Tuesday at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Dela Rosa said that he had an opportunity to speak with Armed Forces chief of staff Eduardo Año on Monday during a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang.

“We are inclined to recommend to the President if possible, the way things are going there (Marawi City) the situation has not totally stabilized, an extension so the rehabilitation phase would be covered,” he said.

Dela Rosa explained, “So it would be safe for those involved in the rehabilitation (efforts), martial law should be extended. It is so the result of the reconstruction, rebuilding of Marawi would come out well.”

READ: Gov’t readying Marawi rehab plan

He was quick to point out that it was their recommendation for the moment, saying, “Things may vary as days go by. We don’t know if things will get better tomorrow and we’ll no longer have problems there. Why would we need to extend if there is no longer a problem?”

The extension, he said, would be for another 60 days.

He added that their recommendation could still change depending on the prevailing situation in Marawi City.

Hours after Dela Rosa’s press briefing, the Supreme Court, voting 11-3-1, upheld the President’s declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao. IDL

READ: SC upholds validity of martial law in Mindanao

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