Gordon, Zubiri favor martial law extension in Mindanao

Sen. Richard Gordon (File photo by JOSEPH VIDAL / Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

Both Senators Richard Gordon and Juan Miguel Zubiri are for the extension of martial law in Mindanao.

But for Gordon, a 60-day extension would be enough to restore peace and stability in the region.

“I say, 60 days. I go on the side of due diligence,” Gordon told reporters in an ambush interview on Wednesday.

Elaborating his stand, Gordon said the government needs the extension of martial rule in Mindanao to gain that “certain amount of powers” to hasten the development of infrastructures and transportation hubs in Mindanao.

“We’re not just talking about a war situation all the way. We’re talking about the peaceful situation. We are headed for peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zubiri said he is in favor of President Rodrigo Duterte’s recommendation to extend martial law until the end of the year.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

Zubiri said this will be helpful in the rehabilitation of Marawi and the other war-torn cities in Mindanao.

Security officials on Wednesday are briefing the senators on terrorism and other developments in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City, which was besieged by the members of the ISIS-backed Maute terror group.

The officials and lawmakers will discuss whether an extension of martial law would be needed to contain the terrorist forces in the region.

The briefing at the Senate Lounge started shortly after 9 a.m. It is still ongoing as of this posting. JPV

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