The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing its position paper to explain its proposal to extend implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao.
And this paper will contain the law enforcement perspective for such, said PNP head Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Thursday.
He, however, declined to give the exact number of days nor their reasons for requesting so.
“I cannot give (yet the exact days the PNP wants Martial Law in Mindanao) extended but we have reasons to recommend it,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino.
The PNP chief stressed that their reasons are quite different from the military as the latter is only focused on tactical and strategical reasons.
Martial Law in Mindanao was declared last May 23 shortly after the series of Maute Group attacks in Marawi City.
Dela Rosa said they are now crafting their position paper and stressed it is possible that they might be able to submit to higher authorities within the coming days.
Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that a detailed assessment on the prevailing security situation needs to be completed before Martial Law can be recommended extended in Mindanao.
“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,” he added.
And once the assessment is done along with their recommendation, it will be then 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.
Under the 1987 Constitution, Martial Law is only limited for 60 days and needs the approval of the House of Representatives for extension. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)
