Extension of martial law in Mindanao practical —AFP

Extending martial law in Mindanao is a sensible thing to do given the coming electoral and political exercises in southern Philippines, Armed Forces chief General Carlito Galvez said on Wednesday.

Galvez, however, said it was premature to recommend the extension of martial law in the southern part of the country.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire island of Mindanao under martial law on May 23, 2017, the same day the ISIS-inspired Maute group began its siege on Marawi City.

Twice, both houses of Congress jointly extended the martial law, which is expected to end on December 31 this year.

"It’s still practical particularly that we will be having the plebiscite in January and also we have also the coming elections," Galvez said.

He said that the success of the previous barangay elections, even in Marawi, was a sign that the martial law was effective in Mindanao.

"We are also very happy that our stakeholders are satisfied that we are implementing Martial Law to the fullest of our capability as a professional armed forces," Galvez said.

AFP officials will visit Western and Eastern Mindanao in the following weeks for assessment of Martial Law, Galvez said. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News