‘Martial law lessened crime in Mindanao’

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday claimed that martial law in Mindanao has reduced cases of criminality in the conflict- stricken region.

“It has lessened criminality by and large. And the only way to do that is to conduct a survey amongst the people of Mindanao, the political leaders, they can call them,” Duterte said during a televised interview with Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo in Malacañang.

“Maymga number man‘yangmga istasyon and maybe they can conduct an interview or they can always ask their networks there to do the survey. Tingnan natin (Let’s see),” he added.

Duterte made the statement after Malacañang said it was considering extending martial law in Mindanao after the twin bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Executive Salvador Medialdea earlier explained that while he does not necessarily recommend the extension of martial law, it may be an option.

“We’re trying to make it as easy as possible kung ganito pa rin nangyayari, ano’ng gagawin?U po lang tayo diyan? (If this continues to happen, what should we do? Should we just sit around?),” Medialdea said in a media interview.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also said she was open to the possibility of martial law extension in Mindanao if the Armed Forces of the Philippines finds it necessary.