Duterte will not extend martial law in Mindanao

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will not extend martial law (ML) in Mindanao when it expires at the end of this month, the Office of the President said on Tuesday.

Duterte declared martial law after the Islamic State-linked Maute group attacked Marawi City on

May 23, 2017. Congress approved his request for an extension in 2017, 201 8 and 2019.

“The Commander- in- Chief made the decision following the assessment of his security and defense advisers of the weakening of the terrorist and extremist rebellion, a result of the capture or neutralization of their leaders, as well as the decrease in the crime index, among the factors considered,” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

The Palace expressed confidence that security forces can maintain peace and security in the region without another extension of martial law.

Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan welcomed the President’s decision.

“As a Moro advocating for peace, it is a comforting thought that the government doesn’t see the extension of martial as necessary and relevant — especially now when the wheels of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) is in place and rolling,” Sangcopan said.

“I have faith in the promise of BOL. I believe that it has the capability to bring peace in Mindanao, the kind we are ardently praying for for years,” she added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also welcomed the decision.

AFP spokesman Edgard Arevalo said they were “pleased that our recommendation for the nonextension of ML was considered by the Commander-in-Chief.”

He said military cited several reasons for its recommendation: improved security climate in Mindanao, continued decline of “Daesh- inspired local terrorist groups,” and “to further promote an environment more conducive to economic activities as it did in terms of increase in trade and commerce in Mindanao.”

“We will continue to collaborate with local chief executives, and the people in the communities in the conduct of our current activities to sustain these gains brought about by martial law,” Arevalo said.