MANILA – As martial law in Mindanao nears its deadline, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process might recommend an extension only in selected areas in the region.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said he plans to recommend martial law extensions in Sulu, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao due to the presence of terror groups that have pledged allegiance to international terrorist network of Islamic State (ISIS).
“As an independent body, we might recommend to the Secretary of National Defense some areas lang particularly Sulu, area ng Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, where there is presence ng mga ISIS-inspired groups,” Galvez said.
He agrees with the proposal to have a “selective” implementation of martial law but will abide by the final recommendation of security forces and local officials.
“Any decision on Mindanao martial law should be thoroughly assessed since terrorists could conduct attacks in any area in the island region,” Galvez said.
“Martial law would no longer be needed if the Human Security Act is amended to allow warrantless detention of terror suspects up to one month. The current maximum detention of three days is not enough to build the case and disrupt the terrorists’ plans,” he added.
President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire island of Mindanao under martial law in May 2017 because of the Marawi siege. He has since asked Congress to extend it three times.
The latest martial law extension in Mindanao is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2019 unless President Duterte will asks for another extension and Congress approves it./PN
