PNP favors extension of martial law in Mindanao

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is in favor of extending martial law in Mindanao, which is set to expire by the end of the year, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said Monday.

“If ever the President decides to extend martial law, we fully support that kasi we see the improvement on the peace and order [situation],” Albayalde said at a news conference.

Albayalde cited that the implementation of the martial law in Mindanao reduced the average monthly crime rate in Mindanao from 8.79 in 2017 to 5.92 in 2018.

“We can attribute that to the imposition of martial law. The implementation of martial law is for keeping peace and order. It is about the presence of checkpoints, basic military operations. There is no oppression going on there as some people allege,” he said.

“There is no curtailment of freedom. And so, if they ask the opinion of the PNP, we will say we support the extension [of martial law], especially with the incoming [May 2019] elections. Mas maganda 'yan [na under martial law ang Mindanao,” he added.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the President can declare martial law in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, for 60 days. The President can request for its extension before Congress. An implementation of martial law also allows warrantless arrest for those suspected of committing rebellion and other related offenses, but these suspects should be charged within three days or they should be released.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law in May 2017 to suppress the supposed rebellion led by the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group which held Marawi City, an Islamic city in Lanao del Sur, under siege for five months.

Lanao del Sur is one of the 22 provinces in Mindanao.

In July 2017, Congress extended the implementation of martial law in Mindanao until December 2017 .

Congress again extended it until the end of this year even if the government already declared Marawi City “liberated from terrorists” dating back October 2017. — RSJ, GMA News