MANILA, July 13 — Before Martial Law in Mindanao can be extended, a detailed assessment on the prevailing security situation has to be done, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.
“We have stated our position that the AFP will conduct an assessment on the need to extend or not Martial Law. That assessment will then recommend our position for the Commander-in-Chief’s perusal and approval. Let us wait for that. Whatever the Commander-in-Chief’s decision is, the AFP will be ready to comply and implement,” Padilla said when sought for comment on calls of Philippine National Police head Dir. Gen. Ronald Dela Rosa to extend Martial Law.
Once assessment has been done along with recommendations, it will be forwarded to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Martial Law administrator, who will then forward it to President Rodrigo Duterte for review.
“The declaration of Martial Law goes out of effect at the end of 60 days and the recommendation and decision to extend it must done before it ends,” Padilla added.
Martial Law in Mindanao was declared on May 23 shortly after the attack of the Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City.
Under the 1987 Constitution, Martial Law is limited for 60 days and needs the approval of the House of Representatives for extension. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)
