Duterte to decide on ML by July 22

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is expected to release his decision on possible lifting or extension of martial law declaration in strife-torn Mindanao region on or before the end of its validity period on July 22, Malaca ang said on Monday.

Speaking to Palace reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Duterte would review the recommendation of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of martial rule in Mindanao, which was submitted to the President on July 13.

“The President will go through and will make a decision on the matter. As we all know, the President listens and he considers the position, not only of the military and of the police but also the interest of vital stakeholders,” Abella said.

The imposition of martial law in Mindanao is set to be lifted on July 22 when it reaches the 60 day allowable period by the 1987 Constitution.

On May 23, Duterte placed the besieged region under martial rule after Islamic State-inspired Maute terror groups laid siege to Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province in an attempt to establish Caliphate for Jihadist fighters in Southeast Asia.

As of 6 p.m. of July 16, the government has reported casualties of 45 civilians, 405 Islamist militants, and 97 government forces amid the continuing armed conflict in Marawi City.

Last week, the President said he needs another 15 days to end the insurgency in Marawi City. The 15-day timeline he sough to address the problem in war-torn city is beyond the 60-day period of martial law implementation in Mindanao.

Lorenzana, administrator of martial law in the south, did not spill further details regarding his recommendation to Duterte but said he “fully trust[s]” the Commander in Chief’s judgment.

Abella said Duterte’s primary consideration on possible lifting or extension of martial rule in Mindanao would be “the threat to public safety, especially in concerned areas.”