Duterte ‘waiting for full report’ before deciding on martial law extension

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte JOEY DALUMPINES/presidential PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte is “waiting for the full report” of the military and the police whether to lift or extend his martial law in Mindanao, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella issued the statement after Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said he would personally recommend that martial law in Mindanao be extended to the maximum period possible.

While Malacañang said that Dela Rosa was part of the assessment team, the official recommendation would come from Defense Secretary and Martial Law Administrator Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Eduardo Año.

“The President has repeatedly stressed that the Philippines abides by the Rule of Law, and extending martial law would be based solely on the assessment and recommendation of the military and the police,” Abella said.

“The Palace is waiting for the full report of the Secretary of National Defense and Martial Law Administrator and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, the Martial Law Implementor, before PRRD initiates any action for the proposal of an extension of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus,” he added.

The Palace official assured that Duterte was resolved to immediately restore peace and order in Marawi City as the national interest was always first on his consideration.

“He is also for the immediate restoration of the rule of law, peace, order, and the overall safety and well-being of our citizens not only in Marawi but in the whole of the country,” he said. JE