Mindanao stability main basis for ML extension: AFP

FILE: Major General Restituto Padilla (PNA Photo)

MANILA — The stability of Mindanao will be the primary basis in extending martial law in the region, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Major Gen. Restituto Padilla, said Saturday.

“Well, the stability of Mindanao will perhaps be the primary basis of any kind of request for extension. So the assessments will be made at an opportune time before the end of the duration provided for Martial Law on the end of the year,” he added.

Padilla said the AFP’s recommendation will form part of the basis of extension or termination of Martial Law in Mindanao

“It will be submitted even prior to the (Dec. 31) deadline,” the AFP spokesperson said.

Martial law was declared in Mindanao last May 23 following the series of attacks conducted by Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City.

The 17th Congress, voting jointly — 261 as against 18 — affirmed the extension of Proclamation 216 extending Martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in the region until Dec. 31 as declared by President Rodrigo Duterte.