2019 polls, rebel groups threats pushed PNP to seek extending martial law in Mindanao: Durana

December 9, 2018

The 2019 midterm polls and threats from rebel groups made the Philippine National Police (PNP)  to recommend the extension of martial law in Mindanao for one year. 

  Chief Supt. Benigno Durana, PNP spokesman, told dzBB Sunday starting from the 2019 elections, rebel groups will intensify their activities, especially those related to extortion. 

  "They (rebels) are glamorizing it as permit to campaign.They are committing criminal activities in the guise of working for  the interest of the masses," Durana said.

  This, after PNP launched countermeasures three to four months ago to reduce election-related violent incidents allegedly by private armed groups, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People's Army (NPA), National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). 

  Durana also added that the countermeasures heavily focused on reducing reported extortion, assassination and kidnap-for-ransom around the area. 

  "It's not only before or during the election period. Sometimes it can take beyond election period that's why I think it's a better position to extend martial law for a year, not for anything else but for the best interest of the people in Mindanao," Durana explained. 

  Durana said  Congress will decide their proposal to extend martial law in Mindanao. 

  "We are not here to interpret the law or policy. We just have to provide necessary inputs and allow our leaders, the politicians in Congress, to decide whether there is a need to impose martial law and extend the imposition of martial law for another year," said Durana. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS