Duterte to rely on PH forces’ recommendation on martial law

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is briefed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana upon his arrival at the Naga Airport on January 4, 2019. (Rey Baniquet/Presidential Photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he would rely on the recommendation of state forces whether to lift or extend martial law in Mindanao.

“I will leave it to the military and the police to make the recommendation,” Duterte said in a press conference at Palace’s Heroes Hall late Tuesday night.

His remarks came after security officials have thumbed down another extension of martial law in Mindanao.

“Martial law is a military thing and it’s their assessment or their evaluation of the Mindanao situation,” he said.

The Chief Executive first placed Mindanao under martial rule on May 23, 2017, the day Islamic State-linked Maute terror group attacked Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province.

Congress extended the initial 60-day martial rule thrice, upon Duterte’s recommendation to help state forces quell insurgency in Mindanao.

Martial law in Mindanao will lapse on December 31 this year.

On November 11, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he would no longer support any proposal to extend the military rule in Mindanao.

Apart from Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on October 25 also stressed that there was no need to further extend martial law in Mindanao if the Congress is able to pass a measure that amends Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007.

RA 9372, which took effect on March 6, 2007, aims to provide law enforcement and judicial authorities with the legal tools to confront terror threats in the country.

The President said he would make a decision, once he receives the recommendations of the military and the police.

“Wala pa ho sa table ko (The recommendations are not yet on my table),” he said.

“If the Defense Secretary says that it’s no longer needed, I’ll wait also for the statement of the military and the police. Then I will decide,” he added.

Under Section 18, Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution, a president can declare martial law and suspend the writ of habeas corpus for a period not exceeding 60 days, in case of invasion or rebellion.

It also states that such proclamation of martial law or suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can either be revoked or extended for a period determined by Congress through joint voting.