Calida on bid to extend ML: Rebellion still simmering in parts of Mindanao

DAY OF CELEBRATION Waving a flag, soldiers aboard an armored personnel carrier celebrate their victory amid gunfire and explosions in Marawi City. AFP file photo

Marawi may have been liberated but rebellion is still on-going in several parts of Mindanao, thus a martial law extension is needed, lead government counsel Solicitor General Jose Calida said on Tuesday.

Calida issued the statement after former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay said it is unconstitutional to extend martial law because the Constitution requires actual invasion or rebellion.

Hilbay pointed out that the government has already declared victory in the battle against terrorist group in the south.

“The President cited compelling reasons in his request to extend the proclamation of martial law, as well as the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, in the whole of Mindanao,” Calida said, referring to the letter request dated 8 December 2017 transmitted to Congress.

Calida said the President deemed it necessary to extend the proclamation in order to completely quell and put an end to the on-going rebellion in Mindanao.

“This request for further extension of martial law is amply supported by facts available to the President as Commander in Chief,” Calida said. “The remnants of these rebel groups are currently regrouping and recruiting new members to sustain the on-going rebellion.”