AFP’s ML extension recommendation ‘accepted’ – Palace

MANILA — Malacañang said it would accept any recommendation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines seeking for possible extension of martial law in Mindanao amid prevailing security threats in the strife-torn region.

AFP spokesman Major General Restituto Padilla Jr. on Friday told reporters the military might request to extend martial law in Mindanao even after Marawi City was liberated from Islamic State-linked Maute terrorists in order to defeat other militant groups in the region.

In a radio interview over state-run DZRP, Presidential Communications secretary Martin Andanar said that while it is President Rodrigo Duterte “who will decide” on the matter, the Palace respects the wisdom of the AFP.

“Sila lang naman talaga ang may nakakaalam sa mga ganyang subject pagdating sa bagay ng national security (They’re the ones who know what’s best especially when it comes to matters related to national security),” Andanar said.

“And they all have the reason to give their thoughts,” he added. “The decision or the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is actually accepted.”

The restive island of Mindanao has long history of Muslim separatist rebellion.

In July, Congress overwhelmingly voted to retain martial law in Mindanao until yearend after the proclamation reached its 60-day constitutional limit, giving Duterte more time to stabilize the region where ISIS was gaining influence.

But martial law remains a sensitive issue in the Philippines after it was used by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s to prolong his stay in power.