Military says “imprudent” not to extend martial law in Mindanao

November 16, 2018

The military said Friday it will push for the extension of martial law in Mindanao after consultations with key officials and commanders of the Eastern Mindanao Command and Western Mindanao Command.

"Much as the AFP has accomplished a lot already as I have reported to you, it's imprudent to stop at this time," said Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr in a statement.

The government imposed martial law in Mindanao after the Abu Sayyaf and Maute Group joined hands with a Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-linked organization to occupy Marawi City in

May 2017. Though the military liberated Marawi in November, Congress has allowed government to continue implementing martial law in Mindanao.

Galvez said a lot more is left to be done to "sustain the gains of economy, governance, security, and well-being of local communities" and to "quell the ongoing rebellion of Communist Terrorist Group and the remnants of Dawlah Islamiya affiliates that continues to operate in Mindanao," said Galvez.

If the burning of a day care center in North Cotabato and burning of four tractors used by farmers and laborers is any indication, Galvez said: "Then we have a big problem."

"Hence we cannot stop... we cannot afford to," said Galvez.

Galvez said with the help of local government units, an unprecedented number of loose firearms have been confiscated or surrendered to the government.

"A total of 5,685 loose firearms were  surrendered in Mindanao. Movements of known terrorist groups such as the New People’s Army, Maute Group, and the Abu Sayyaf Group have also been constricted," he said.

"In Eastern Mindanao alone, some 11,333 CPP-NPA ( Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) members and supporters have been given an opportunity to experience a more peaceful and productive way of life," added Galvez.

"They are joined by over 300 members of local terrorist groups, 572 of which are ASG, who chose to abandon their illegal activities in exchange for reformation and reintegration," said Galvez. DMS,