Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court’s upholding of the year-long extension of martial law in Mindanao.
“The DND-AFP is grateful for the trust and confidence of our public institutions and the support of the Filipino people. This will definitely heighten the morale of our Defenders and allow them to better safeguard public safety in Mindanao as well as give Task Force Bangon Marawi the necessary space to undertake the unhampered rehabilitation of Marawi,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement.
READ: SC affirms Duterte extension of martial law in Mindanao
The defense secretary said they can now “fully pursue” its efforts in ending rebellion in Mindanao.
AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said the decision is a “vote of confidence,” assuring the Filipino people that it will “continue to protect our people against all rebel forces.”
President Rodrigo Duterte first declared the 60-day martial law in Mindanao when fighting broke out between government forces and ISIS-inspired terrorists on May 23 last year.
The martial law was later extended until Dec. 31. Duterte pushed for the one year extension, citing the need to end rebellion in Mindanao after the five-month battle in Marawi City. /je