Senate to seek AFP briefing on martial law extension

Several senators want the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to conduct another security briefing for the Senate after it recommended an extension of martial law in Mindanao.

According to Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, they will request the AFP to conduct a briefing on the current situation in Marawi City following its liberation from the Maute terrorist group.

In a text message, Pimentel said he expects the formal letter-request from Malacañang to be submitted to the Senate by Monday, December 11.

“Then I will immediately take this up with my colleagues,” Pimentel said as Congress is scheduled to adjourn session for one month starting December 16 up to January 14, 2018.

Asked if he is in favor of a martial law extension, Pimentel, a close ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, said: “I'm consulting Mindanao leaders and people. I will give my personal stand in time of session.”

The 1987 Constitution grants Congress the power to determine whether or not there is a need to revoke or extend a martial law declaration of the President.

Last July 22, Congress, in special session, voted to approve Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao until December 31 of this year.

Senator Miguel Zubiri said that while he is “open” to the proposal to extend martial law, he needs to listen first to the briefing of the AFP, as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Joel Villanueva shared Pimentel's sentiment.

“Have not yet seen the request and justification for extension. But should it be given to us, I will ask that Malacañang and security officials brief the Senate, even in executive session, as to the reason(s) for such extension before I decide,” Escudero said in a text message.

“As we have been saying, we badly need a briefing on this as to the updates and latest assessment, etc. before we can decide,” Villanueva said.

Senator Grace Poe added that feedback from local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao should also be considered in deciding on the martial law extension.

Senator JV Ejercito, for his part, appeared to be in favor of an extension, saying LGU officials, businessmen, and residents in Mindanao “are all satisfied with Martial Law.”

“Warlords, private armies, cannot move around and their movements are now restricted. Likewise problem of thousands of loose firearms in Mindanao can now be addressed with Martial Law in effect,” Ejercito pointed out.

At the Bangon Marawi briefing on Friday, military spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla Jr. said the AFP has recommended a martial law extension in the entire Mindanao region.

Padilla, however. said that he was not privy to the length of extension the AFP has recommended. —KBK, GMA News