PRRD has final say on lifting of martial law in certain areas

Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, made the remark in reaction to reports that the mayor forwarded a letter to the Department of National Defense and the House of Representatives where she recommended the lifting or exemption of her city from martial law which is still in effect in the whole of Mindanao. (PNA file photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — While it supports calls made by Mayor Sara Duterte on the lifting of martial law in Davao City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the final decision is still up to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, made the remark in reaction to reports that the mayor forwarded a letter to the Department of National Defense and the House of Representatives where she recommended the lifting or exemption of her city from martial law which is still in effect in the whole of Mindanao.

“We have articulated our support to selective coverage of martial law as deemed warranted by the local chief executive and validated by our operational commanders on the ground,” he said in a message to reporters Tuesday.

This was proven, Arevalo said, by the expression of support given by Eastern Mindanao Command head, Lt.

Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., following the recommendation given by the lady mayor.

“The final decision, however, as to the recommendation to lift martial law in a particular locality is dependent upon the President who declared it,” the AFP spokesperson stressed.

In a 235-28-1 vote, the House of Representatives, in a joint session on December 12, 2018, approved the third extension of martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2019.

The AFP recommended another year-long extension of martial law in Mindanao in a bid to totally neutralize terror groups still operating in Mindanao. Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the Maute Group in Marawi City which was retaken by government forces by late October of that year.

The House of Representatives, in a special joint session in July 2017, granted the first extension of martial law until December 31, 2017 at President Duterte’s request.

The Senate and House of Representatives, convening in a joint session early December of that year, granted the Chief Executive’s request for the second extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from January 1 to December 31, 2018.