Improved security in Mindanao is top reason for non-extension of martial law – AFP, PNP

The improved security situation in Mindanao island was the primary factor why President Duterte decided not to extend martial law, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Duterte on Tuesday chose to lift the more than two-year-old martial rule in Mindanao by the end of the year, according to Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

"The AFP was among the security-related agencies that were consulted as to whether or not ML (martial law) will be extended or not, and we're pleased that our recommendation for the nonextension of ML was considered by the Commander-in-Chief," said Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson.

"We have cited several reasons like improved security climate in Mindanao, the [continuous] decline of the Daesh-inspired local terrorist groups, and to further promote an environment more conducive to economic activities as it did in terms of increase in trade and commerce in Mindanao," he added.

Meanwhile, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said the police leadership supports the decision of the President not to extend martial law.

"The steady decline in crime victimization in Mindanao over the past two years validates our data and general observations of lesser crime and lesser fear of crime in Mindanao," Banac noted.

The police official further said that the security measures and the campaign against crime and terrorism "are achieving positive results and success."

Although martial law in the island will be lifted by year-end, both the military and police vowed to continue coordinating with the local government units to prevent crimes and terror activities.

"We will continue to collaborate with local chief executives and the people in the communities in the conduct of our current activities to sustain these gains brought about by the ML," Arevalo stated.

Banac, for his part, disclosed that the police will remain alert and vigilant to maintain peace and order not only in Mindanao but across the country.

Arevalo also said that the military will pursue its advocacy of amending the Human Security Act into an Anti-Terrorism Law "that will not be too restrictive to security forces but has more teeth to prevent or counter terrorism."

Duterte's decision not to extend martial law came days after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana submitted his recommendation for the non-extension of military rule in the island.

Lorenzana said the martial law has already served its purpose of diminishing the level of threat in Mindanao.