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[av_heading heading=’Expect more action in NPA-infested areas
Martial law extension covers Reds, too’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]
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MANILA – With the one-year extension of martial law, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expected to put up more checkpoints and conduct more patrols in Mindanao, particularly in New People’s Army (NPA)-affected areas.
“There will be less skirmishes in Marawi City now that operations there have winded down but in NPA-affected areas, they can expect more actions (e.g. patrols and checkpoints) from the military. These will be more intensified (in) scope and coverage,” said AFP chief of staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero yesterday.
He made this comment when asked what Mindanaoans should expect now that martial law has been extended for one year in Mindanao.
The rationale for this, said Guerrero, is to establish visibility and presence in population centers to deter the NPA’s terroristic actions.
Aside from the communist rebels, military efforts will also focus on Sulu, Basilan and parts of Central Mindanao where lawless elements like the Abu Sayyaf and other terrorist elements like the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and their allies are known to operate.
Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23 following heavy attacks by the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City. Congress, in a special joint session in July, approved it until Dec. 31 this year at President Rodrigo Duterte’s request.
The Senate and House of Representatives, convening in a joint session early this week, granted the President’s request for an extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018.
A total of 240 members of Congress voted to approve the resolution of both houses calling for martial law extension in Mindanao, while only 27 voted against it.
There was no abstention. A total of 14 senators voted in favor of the motion and four were against it, while 226 House members approved the motion and 23 rejected it. (PNA)
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