MANILA, July 19 — There is nothing to fear should President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to extend Martial Law in Mindanao up to Dec. 31 this year be approved by the House of Representatives.
This was bared by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Col. Edgard Arevalo in in a statement late Tuesday.
“We would like to allay the fears of our people about the extension of Martial Law and its force and effect, your AFP remains committed to the strict adherence of existing laws including that of human rights in the enforcement of said Martial Law,” he added.
Martial Law in Mindanao was imposed shortly after the May 23 attack of Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City.
“We urge the public to give the same degree of cooperation and assistance that they have contributed, that they have exhibited that led to the successful of implementation that yielded positive results, after all law abiding citizens should not have a problem with Martial Law,” he added.
And while declining to give AFP recommendations on Martial Law, Arevalo said that it is suffice to say that they have taken into account to ensure that their gains in combating terrorism in marawi will be sustained.
As of 7 p.m. Monday, military forces have killed 413 Maute Group terrorists, along with 98 security troops and 45 civilians.
Firearms recovered was placed at 511 and civilians rescued from the hands of terrorism hands are placed at 1,723. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)