Duterte asks Congress to extend martial law

PHILIPPINES - President Rodrigo Duterte asked Congress to extend martial law for one more year citing the continuing threats of ISIS-inspired terrorists, local terrorist groups and the New People’s Army.

In a letter to Congress dated December 8, the president noted that the surviving members of the ISIS-inspired Maute group and their allies have been recruiting members in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sulu and Basilan. The letter was shared to reporters on Monday, December 11. Duterte also warned that the Turaifie group, the potential successor of Isnilon Hapilon as Islamic State emir for Southeast Asia, is planning to conduct bombings in the Cotabato area.

The presence of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, as well as the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and =amboanga Peninsula also remain a security concern in the region.

At least 15 violent incidents brought about by the BIFF have been reported during the martial law period in the region. These incidents include harassment and roadside bombings against government troops.

The ASG, on the other hand, have conducted at least 43 acts of terrorism such as attacks using improvised explosive devices, harassment and kidnappings.

The NPA has launched at least 385 attacks, both terrorism and guerilla warfare, in Mindanao, according to Duterte.

While the government was preoccupied with addressing the threat of ISIS, local terror groups and the NPA have intensified their rebellion against the government ³purposely to seize political power through violent means and supplant the country’s democratic form of government with Communist rule.” Duterte reTuested for a oneyear extension of martial law after receiving a letter from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, stating the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Based on their security assessment, the military suggested the extension of martial law for another year to ³ensure total eradication of >ISISinspired groups], other likeminded local/foreign terrorist groups and armed lawless groups, and the communist terrorists and their coddlers, supporters and financiers.” The House of Representatives and the Senate is expected to hold a Moint session this week to discuss Duterte’s reTuest for extending martial law in Mindanao.

Congress readily agreed with the declaration of martial law in May 23 and a reTuest to extend the martial law period until the end of the year sailed smoothly through a special session in July.

A handful of lawmakers, however, have argued that there is no basis for Duterte to further extend martial law. (philstar)