PNP backs martial law extension in Mindanao

Detoyato said the review on the possible extension of martial law in the region had been ongoing since it was first implemented. (File Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday expressed support for the extension of martial law in Mindanao.

“Kung makakatulong (If it will help). If we think the President (Rodrigo Duterte) or the government is inclined to extend it the martial law, we will support. Remember, kasi hindi naman natatapos yung martial law after the Marawi incident. We still have the BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law) doon na tinatawag, magkakaroon pa ng plebiscite (martial law does not end with the Marawi incident. We still have the Bangsamoro Oragnic Law, there will be a plebsicite on that),” PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde told reporter during a press briefing on Monday when asked for a comment.

Albayalde for the PNP’s part the martial law can be extended if it “would be helpful in maintaining peace and order”.

“As for us, if only we want to maintain the peace and order and if only they want to have a peaceful plebiscite, martial law is good because it is not the Marcos-time martial law. There is no curtailing of freedom there. We only see massive checkpoints and surrender of firearms. Also, based on the feedbacks of the people, they want martial law,” the PNP Chief explained.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato said troops in the field are still gathering data to determine whether martial law in Mindanao would again be extended.

Detoyato said the review on the possible extension of martial law in the region had been ongoing since it was first implemented.

Earlier, Malacañang said it would depend on the recommendation of the AFP on whether martial law would be re-extended after the end of the year.

Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the Maute Group in Marawi City.

Congress, in a special joint session in July last year, granted the extension of martial law until Dec. 31, 2017 at the President’s request.

In another joint session in December last year, the Senate and House of Representatives granted the Chief Executive’s request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus until Dec. 31, 2018.