PNP remains alert despite lifting of martial law in Mindanao

January 1, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will remain alert despite the lifting of martial law in Mindanao, its spokesman said Tuesday.

After more than two years of implementation, martial law in Mindanao which was first declared during the Marawi siege on May 23, 2017 was ended on midnight of Dec. 31, 2019.

"We assure the public that the PNP remains alert and vigilant to prevent occurrence of crimes and respond to any call for assistance," said Police Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac in a statement.

Banac said "the PNP shares the wisdom of the defense and interior departments and the AFP that Martial Law need not be further implemented in Mindanao."

"We express our sincere appreciation and thank the public for their patience and understanding, and for continued support and cooperation during the Martial Law period and beyond," he said.

Banac said the "state of lawlessness" in Mindanao " has been significantly contained.

"The state of lawlessness that prompted  the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao has been significantly contained since the IS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)-Maute rebellion was decisively crushed in October 2017," he said.

"After more than two years under Martial Law, Mindanao communities have substantially recovered ground that was momentarily lost to the IS-Maute effort and its support systems," said Banac.

"During that period, government gained solid foothold on some influenced and threatened communities where it effectively established military and police presence," he stated.

"In the process, the enemy was denied mass base support and room to maneuver and expand, rendering it immobile to some extent," he added.

Banac said what remains in Mindanao "are the perennial peace and order spoilers in the traditional troublespots in the island provinces of Western Mindanao and some small localities in Central Mindanao."

"The game changer really in the quest for peace in Mindanao is the establishment of the BARMM ( Bangsamoro  Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) in predominantly Muslim areas that ratified the measure this year which is seen as a major step towards finally achieving lasting peace in Mindanao," he said.

"With this optimistic outlook under BARMM self-rule, the regional peace and order condition is expected to improve further as gleaned from the national crime environment and validated by positive public opinion," he added. Robina Asido/DMS