To extend martial law or not: AFP still assessing situation

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. says the military will submit as early as next week to President Rodrigo Duterte its recommendation whether to extend or lift his martial law declaration in Mindanao. The 60-day limit will end on July 22. NESTOR CORRALES/INQUIRER.net

The military on Friday said it would  submit to President Rodrigo Duterte as early as next week its recommendation whether to extend martial law or not.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Resituto Padilla said the military was still assessing the situation.

“Tungkol sa rekomendasyon kung papalawigin ba o irerekomenda na ihinto na aang pagpapatupad ng martial law, hindi pa tapos ang assessment. Kinakailangan may batayan ito bago isulong ‘yung rekomendasyon na ‘yun sa ating commader in chief,” Padilla told reporters in an ambush interview in Malacañang.

(Regarding the recommendation whether to extend or stop the implementation of martial law, the assessment is not yet done. The recommendation for the commander in chief needs basis.)
“At ‘yung pag-assess na ito at pag-aaral na ito ay kasalukuyang pa lang ginagawa. So maaring ibigay ito sa susunod na lingo o bago matapos ‘yung takdang panahon ng 60 days,” he added.

(Its assessment or study is still ongoing. We can submit this next week or before the 60-day limit lapses.)

The 60-day limit for the declaration of martial law will end on July 22.

Asked whether the recommendation would be submitted before that day, Padilla said, “Of course. The President will be expecting that.”

In his previous speeches, Duterte said he would rely on the recommendation of the military whether to extend his martial law proclamation in the entire Mindanao.

READ: Duterte: Decision to extend martial law up to military

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the President’s declaration. IDL/rga

READ: SC upholds validity of martial law in Mindanao