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[av_heading heading=’Martial law extension ‘compelling’ – SolGen ‘ 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=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – The extension of martial law in Mindanao until December 2018 was “compelling” and justified, insisted the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).
In a press statement yesterday, OSG Jose Calida said he would argue at the Supreme Court (SC) that there was enough reason for the one-year extension given the terrorist threats in Mindanao.
“The extension of martial law declaration and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao for one year is not only factual but more importantly, compelling,” Calida said.
In fact, he said, the rebellion staged by various secessionists, jihadists, terrorists and communists has been going on in Mindanao for decades.
“The argument that this rebellion can be quelled in 60 days is asinine,” said Calida.
He slammed critics of the martial law extension, particularly opposition congressman Edcel Lagman of Albay, and invited him to “visit the various strongholds of the rebellious groups scattered all over Mindanao” instead.
“The 1987 Constitution vested Congress with the authority to extend the proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus for a period to be determined by it,” Calida said.
“This is a political question as it is a controversy which revolves around policy choices and value determinations constitutionally committed to the executive or legislative branches for resolution,” he added.
Lagman and some opposition lawmakers asked the SC to block the martial law extension in Mindanao since there was no more actual rebellion. The SC ordered the respondents to submit their comment within 10 days.
During a joint session on Dec. 13, both the House of Representatives and Senate approved President Duterte’s request to extend martial rule and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2018.
President Rodrigo Duterte sought for the martial law extension due to the ongoing threat in the area, the terror groups’ attempts to increase their numbers and plan other attacks and threat of communist rebel forces.
Duterte declared martial law in the entire Mindanao on May 2017 after the Maute terror groups affiliated with the Islamic State attempted to take over the city. The war lasted for five months./PN
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