Cagayan de Oro archbishop opposes extending martial law in Mindanao to one year

December 11, 2017

A Mindanao-based archbishop Monday opposes the request of President Rodrigo Duterte for a one-year extension of martial law in southern Philippines.

In an interview, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma said :"In general, I am not in favor of it... there is no need for martial law."

Ledesma added that "normal police and military system" can handle the situation.

"In fact, people are saying there is practically no martial law now. So might as well be back to normal," said Ledesma.

On Sunday, Malacañang said Duterte has decided to ask Congress to extend martial law for one year in Mindanao.

Congress had extended martial law, which was imposed  by Duterte last May 23 due to fighting in Marawi. It  is  to expire on December 31. DMS