Review on martial law extension ongoing : AFP

MANILA -- Troops in the field are still gathering data to determine whether martial law in Mindanao would again be extended, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, said Thursday.

Detoyato said the review on the possible extension of martial law in the region had been ongoing since it was first implemented.

“Since Day One, kasi (because) we always assess the security on a daily basis,” he said in a message to reporters.

Detoyato added that they have yet to give President Rodrigo Duterte a recommendation on the matter as there is no timeline.

“We cannot give a categorical statement because there is no need for it (statement) right now,” he said.

Earlier, Malacañang said it would depend on the recommendation of the AFP on whether martial law would be re-extended after the end of the year.

Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the Maute Group in Marawi City.