AFP: 5-Year Martial Law Extension Proposed By Speaker Alvarez Might Be Too Long
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that the 5-year martial law extension proposed by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez might be too long.
On May 23, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte declared a 60-day martial law throughout the entire region of Mindanao due to the extended gun battle between the government forces and the Maute Terror Group.
The martial law declared in the south will lapse on July 23, 2017, after the 1987 Constitution allowed Mr. Duterte to impose it for a period of 60 days. The Congress can extend martial law if terrorism persists for the safety of everyone.
On Monday (July 10, 2017), House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez plans to extend the martial law in Mindanao for five years. Alvarez explained that extending the martial rule will allow the president to end the terrorism and rebellion in Mindanao.
Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that martial law extension was still under (–foul word(s) removed–)sment. He also said that the 5-year martial law extension proposed by Alvarez might be too long.
Padilla said that he had no idea regarding the basis of Speaker Alvarez in proposing a 5-year martial law extension because it is a political decision. He also said that Alvarez might have an information that they don’t have.
Malacañang distanced itself from the 5-year martial law proposal stating that Alvarez might only be relying on his own opinion. It also said that AFP and other stakeholders of siege in Marawi would (–foul word(s) removed–)s and recommend if extending martial law is allowable.
The 60-day martial law declared by President Duterte will expire that day before his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24, 2017. He also said that his decision on extending the ruling depends on the recommendations of the security agencies.
What can you say about this? Just feel free to leave your comments and reactions for this article.
