Duterte assessing need to further extend martial law in Mindanao, says Roque

December 10, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte is now making an assessment if there is a need to further extend the imposition of martial law in Mindanao, Malacanang said on Sunday.

This as Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar disclosed of a possible attack by terrorists in another city in the country.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, in a statement, said the Office of the President already received the recommendations of the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police regarding the extension of martial law in Mindanao.

"The President is studying the recommendations and he is assessing the need for further extending martial law in Mindanao," he said.

Roque said Duterte's paramount concern is "the security of our people especially the Mindanaoans in the face of threats and the use of available means under the law to fight them."

Meanwhile, in a radio interview, Andanar said Daula Islamiya, partner of Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups, is now recruiting members in Mindanao.

Citing an intelligence report, he said this group is planning to attack another city in the country. He did not mention the city.

"So therefore, we need to closely monitor them and there is a threat from Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Lanao and Cotabato and the ASG in Basilan, Tawi-tawi and Sulu," he said.

"So therefore, we need to extend martial law in Mindanao. There is also a threat from CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army and National Democratic Front)," he added.

Andanar said there is still time for Congress to decide on proposal to extend martial law.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao last May 23 for 60 days shortly after the terrorists occupied and attacked Marawi City. But the martial law declaration was extended until December 31, 2017. Ella Dionisio/DMS