Assessment ongoing to determine ML extension in Mindanao

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla. (PCOO photo)

MANILA — While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be making an assessment and recommendation to determine on whether Martial Law (ML) in Mindanao will be extended, it is the political leadership who will make a final decision on the matter.

These will be coming from the ground commanders engaged in the ongoing operations to clear Marawi City and those tasked to secure Mindanao, said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Thursday.

He added that when President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao under Martial Law following the May 23 attack of the Maute Group terrorists, the AFP has set up certain conditions it has to meet before the 60-day declaration expires.

“In the assessment that we will be doing, we will look into whether these conditions are met or achieved and in case this should not take place, then we will recommend the extension of Martial Law,” Padilla stressed.

The AFP spokesperson said their recommendations will be forwarded to the Chief Executive before the end of next week.

“Whatever recommendations will be forwarded to the President, we can guarantee you that it will be something that will be well thought of and will be something that will have basis. But the final decision will be the decision with the political leadership,” Padilla pointed out.