AFP recommends extension of martial law in Mindanao

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte the extension of martial law in Mindanao, which is set to expire on December 31, 2017.

“As far as I am concerned, there is a recommendation to similarly support the recommendation of the Philippine National Police but I am not privy to the whole report and I am not at liberty to discuss whatever it is that has been placed in the report until such time that the decision has been made,” AFP Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said during the Bangon Marawi briefing in Malacañang on Friday.

The PNP had earlier endorsed a one year extension of martial law in Mindanao.

According to Padilla, the AFP recommended the extension of martial law in Mindanao due to the continuous threat of terrorism and the communist rebels in the region.

“We need the cover of martial law to address these threats,” he noted.

Padilla, however, said he was not “privy” regarding the AFP’s recommendation on how long should martial law be extended in Mindanao.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao last May 23 after the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group attacked Marawi City in a bid to establish a caliphate there.               /kga