Nationwide martial law ‘speculative’ at this point —AFP chief

Armed Forces chief General Rey Leonardo Geurrero on Friday downplayed the possibility of a nationwide martial law, saying it is "speculative" at this point.

"I will not dare to venture into such topic considering, not only because it's speculative, but because it's too early, it's too far in the future for me to project," Guerrero told a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo.

Talks of a nationwide martial law once again floated after Congress last Wednesday voted to further extend the martial rule covering the entire Mindanao.

Some quarters have raised fears that martial law will be expanded to the entire country amid the ongoing campaign against the communist New People's Army (NPA), which the government recently classified as a terrorist organization.

Guerrero, however, said martial law may be expanded only if the government's "adversaries... turn violent."

"Our actions will also depend on the political situation, and also the reaction of our adversaries. If they turn violent, maybe the answer is obvious," he said.

Guerrero also said the military may request additional budget for the implementation of martial law next year. At present, he said troops are operating under the normal budget released to the Armed Forces.

"It was mentioned in Congress that probably we should be requesting for additional funds, considering the extension [of martial law] for one year," he said.

The extended martial law in Mindanao will expire on December 31, 2018.

Critics of martial law fear the declaration will result in human rights violations. —KBK, GMA News