Duterte’s call for martial law extension: A wait-and-see situation

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

“Let’s just wait for the day.”

This was how Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday viewed the possibility of President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision whether to extend or not the martial rule in Mindanao.

“We don’t know if the President would even ask (for) the extension of martial law kasi depende yan sa assessment ulit ng (because it again depends on the assessment of the) Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Andanar said in an interview over DZMM TeleRadyo regarding Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address (Sona).

“At palagay ng AFP ay di na kailangang i-extend (and the AFP thinks there is no need for extension), then that will happen. Pero kung ang magiging payo naman ng AFP ay i-extend (but if the AFP advises to extend), let’s just wait for the President. He will have the last say,” he added pertaining to the expiration of martial law on July 22.

READ: Palace: Martial law extension depends on AFP

According to Andanar, the President will deliver his “longer but more meaningful” Sona scheduled on July 24, two days after his martial law in Mindanao expires.

On July 11, Duterte said he needed 15 more days to solve the Marawi crisis, a self-imposed deadline which may go beyond the 60-day martial law limit.

READ: Duterte seeks 15 more days to solve Marawi crisis

Duterte earlier answered no when asked if he would lift martial law before his Sona, saying he would rely on the military’s recommendation.

On Friday, AFP Spokesperson Restituto Padilla said the military would need 10 to 15 more days to regain control of Marawi. Rogelio Nato, Jr., INQUIRER.net trainee / JPV