MANILA – The Malacañang branded as “premature” the talks of possible martial law extension in the entire island of Mindanao in the wake of the bombing in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the existing martial law declaration in Mindanao is still effective until Dec. 31.
“The decision whether or not to extend will be pursuant to a recommendation to be made by our security forces and they have not given us any recommendation,” he added. “Any extension of martial law in the region will need consultations between the executive branch and the security cluster of the Cabinet.”
“December is still a long way off,” Roque stressed.
The Palace Official also said President Rodrigo Duterte, being the Commander-in-Chief, will seek the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines regarding the possible extension.
Talks of another martial law extension in Mindanao surfaced following a statement given by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea after the bombing incident in Isulan last week, claiming three lives.
“Yung mga signs na ganito hindi maganda yan ‘e. Lives in danger na lang. Piyesta, pasasabugan lang. How would you feel?” Medialdea told the media during his appearance at the House of Representatives budget hearing last week.
“Extending martial law is an option. We’re trying to make it as easy as possible na walang ano. But kung ganito pa rin ang nangyari, anong gagawin natin? Upo lang tayo diyan?” he added.
Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017 after the Islamic State-inspired Maute terror group attacked Marawi City.
Duterte later asked Congress to extend martial rule in the southern region until the end of 2018 due to existing terror threats./PN
