MANILA, July 17 — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has batted for the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao in order to give them more time and opportunity to arrest alleged narco-politicians and personalities who openly support Maute Group terrorists activities in Marawi City.
This was bared by PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa during a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Monday.
He added that this is based on law enforcement considerations.
Martial Law in Mindanao was declared following Maute Group attacks in Marawi City last May 23.
This recommendation is contained in the position paper they submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday.
The said recommendation, however, does not contain a specific time frame for the proposed extension.
Likewise, Dela Rosa also pointed out that other relevant government agencies and institutions have already submitted their respective recommendations to the Chief Executive for the latter to act on.
The PNP chief also said that it is possible that the President may announce his decision before his State-of-the-Nation-Address (SONA) on July 24.
As this develops, Dela Rosa also said that they have detected plans of the New People’s Army (NPA) to conduct pre-SONA attacks on Davao City as part of their efforts to embarrass the President.
The PNP chief assured the public that they already have taken appropriate security measures to prevent this from happening.
Aside from this, no other threats were detected for Duterte’s 2nd SONA which will take place this coming Monday. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)
