DILG endorses PNP recommendation of 1-year extension of Mindanao martial law

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has endorsed to President Rodrigo Duterte a one year extension of martial law in Mindanao based on the recommendation of the Philippine National Police.

“We endorsed the recommendation of [the] PNP,” DILG officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy said.

In a separate text message to GMA News Online Friday, DILG Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya said: “Yes, we have endorsed to PRRD (Duterte’s initials) the recommendation of the PNP for a one- year extension of martial in Mindanao.”

He said that according to Cuy, the recommendation is based on two factors.

First, the need to address the continuing threats of terrorists/extremist groups in Mindanao, particularly remnants of the Maute/ISIS groups which have yet to be completely neutralized and, second, to facilitate the Marawi rehabilitation which is a top priority of the Duterte administration.

He said that as for Marawi, the area has to be secured to facilitate rehabilitation.

“If there is continuing threat, the rehab efforts will be stifled or hampered. Spending billions on rehab might be rendered useless if the radical extremist groups are not completely neutralized. We cannot allow another Marawi to happen,” he said.

Earlier, military spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla Jr. said they have recommended the extension of martial law in Mindanao but could not ascertain for how long.

“As far as I am concerned, there is a recommendation to similarly support the recommendation of the Philippine National Police but I am not privy to the whole report and I am not at liberty to discuss whatever it is that has been placed in the report until such time that the decision has been made,” he said.

“It is for the Mindanao area,” Padilla added.

On May 23, government troops trying to arrest Isnilon Hapilon in Marawi were attacked by members of the Maute-ISIS group. Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao 10 p.m. that same day.

The firefight went on for five months.

The President declared the liberation of Marawi last October 17, a day after the killing of Hapilon and Omar Maute.

As of October 17, a total of 847 Maute members, 163 government troops, and 47 civilians have been killed. A total of 1,770 civilians have been rescued while 846 firearms have been recovered. — RSJ, GMA News