Checkpoints to continue in Mindanao

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines ( AFP) on Wednesday said military checkpoints would still be in place in various areas of Mindanao even if martial law has been lifted.

Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman, claimed that the security climate in Mindanao has improved, citing the declaration of martial law way back in 2017 and the consistent extensions backed by both Houses of Congress and the Supreme Court.

According to Arevalo, the decision to recommend the lifting of martial law was based on the improvement of security in Mindanao. Malacañang on Tuesday announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to no longer extend martial law in the southern island.

Even with the improvement of security climate claimed by the military, Arevalo said security checkpoints in the country will continue.

Martial law allows the military to take direct control and impose curfews, checkpoints and gun control in an area where it was declared.

“After all, even without the martial law, checkpoints are [still] there, but of course with the martial law in effect, there are more stringent measures that we can do,” Arevalo said in an interview over CNN Philippines.

Following the recommendation for the non-extension of martial law, Arevalo said they are hoping that this would result in a “more conducive” efforts for economic activities in Mindanao.

He also downplayed the threats brought by various groups including the New People’s Army, the Abu Sayyaf Group,and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, among others.