POSSIBLE MARTIAL LAW EXTENSION

The AFP said they have received positive feedback from stakeholders on the current implementation of martial law; hence, the possible recommendation of extending it

Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Carlito Galvez Jr. said based on their consultations, people preferred the extension of martial law and that they will most likely recommend.

“Based on the recommendation of the Eastmincom (Eastern Mindanao Command) and based on the recommendation of the LGU (local government units), there is a positive possibility that we will extend Martial Law,” Galvez told the media after a command conference in Eastmincom headquarters, Panacan, Davao City yesterday.

Based on their dialogues with the different stakeholders, there were positive feedbacks on the implementation of martial law here in Mindanao. It can be recalled that in July 22, 2017 before the 60-day martial law ended, the congress in a joint session granted the request of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend it until December 2017. On December 13, 2017, the Congress approved another one year extension until December 2018. The President declared Martial Law in May 23, 2017 hours after Marawi was attacked by a terrorist group.

After his visit in Eastmincom, Galvez said he will also fly to Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) to evaluate the campaign and the command's recommendation on extending anew the Martial Law.

“Very positive [ang response] maraming mga LGUs at mga government officials, they are looking for the extension and nakita naming yong impact din in terms of economic at security, napakalaki ng development,” he added.

While they are pushing for its extension, he also acknowledged the fact that there are those who are against of its implementation much more its third extension, but he said that people of Mindanao approved of it due to sense of security. Those who are skeptical about it were mainly from Manila.

During the 18 months of martial law, he said that there were no human right violations that were committed by the troopers in the conduct of security operations. With the extension, it further help them in their counter-insurgency campaign.

“'Yong sa Davao at sa ibang areas sa Mindanao, they are saying na Martial Law is well implemented. I believe, that's the request of the LGUs and also the people to sustain our gains so that we could completely defeat ‘yong terrorism at the same time 'yong ating mga CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines – New People's Army) terrorist dito,” Galvez said.

Asked on how many months it would possibly take should the extension will push through, he said that they will make a recommendation once they have already finish their assessment.

“Most likely, ang recommendation, we will go with the pulse of the people. Most likely talaga, we will work for the extension,” the AFP chief said.

Meanwhile, local legislators expressed support to the possible extension of martial law.

"The Philippine Councilors League (PCL) is supportive for the extension and majority of councilors in Mindanao is for its extension," councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, PCL president, said in a text message to SunStar Davao.

Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte, for her part, said, "If it contributes positively to and aids in the maintenance of relative peace in Mindanao, I have no objection po."

The existence of terror threat in Davao City is very much at high level, considering we are the economic center of Mindanao. Hence, the intensified security measures are very much needed to minimize if not stopped those threats. In so, extended martial law in Mindanao is much a need," councilor Edgar Ibuyan Jr. said.