DND vows to maximize opportunity to end rebellion

With the extension of martial law in Mindanao for one year approved by Congress, the Department of National Defense on Wednesday said it will not waste the opportunity to end the rebellion and terrorism plaguing the southern island.

“The Filipino people can be rest assured that we will not squander this opportunity to finally end the continuing rebellion and terrorism in Mindanao,” DND spokesperson Dir. Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

He said government forces will “destroy” Islamic State-inspired groups, thwart other groups from conducting further acts of terrorism, and prevent the spillover of violence and radicalism in other parts of the country.

“We are also confident that we can move forward with unhampered reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City,” he said.

Majority of members of Congress approved the request of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend martial law in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2018. The Senate voted 14-4 while the House voted 226-23 in favor of extension of martial law for a year.

The President declared martial law in the entire Mindanao last May 23 when the Maute Group attacked Marawi City. The 60-day promulgation ended last July 22 but was later extended by Congress until Dec. 31 this year.