PNP to support gov’t extension of martial law in Mindanao

October 22, 2018

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) will support the government's extension of martial law in Mindanao, its head said on Monday.

"If  we think the president or the government is inclined to extend  martial law we will support it," said PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde.

"Remember, martial law does not end after Marawi. We still have the Bangsamoro Organic Law and there will be a plebiscite for this," added Albayalde.

Albayalde said if authorities want a peaceful plebiscite, it is better to extend martial law in Mindanao.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups linked up with Islamic State-linked militants to attack Marawi. Then both Houses of Congress extended martial law in Marawi before Duterte stretched it further to end at 2018.

"Martial law in Mindanao is not the same as martial law during Marcos' time.  Freedoms are not curtailed. There are massive checkpoints and firearms are being surrendered," said Albayalde.

"I think, based on the feedback is that people there feel it is better if there is martial law," he added. DMS