PNP: May polls another reason in new bid for martial law extension

The need for additional security during the conduct of the May 2019 midterm elections prompted the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to recommend for another one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao.

PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana made the remark on Sunday after President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly asked Congress for another martial law extension in the region. 

Earlier, the military cited "overwhelming sentiments" of Mindanaoans for the AFP's push for another extension.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, Durana said that the national police has recommended another one-year extension of martial law considering that rebel groups' activities intensify during the elections and beyond.

"Talagang yung activity ng rebel groups doon sa Mindanao will continue even beyond the election days. Kaya nga po tinututukan natin yan even before," Durana said.

Four months ago, police launched counter measures to reduce election-related violent incidents, allegedly due to the New People's Army's assassination, extortion, and kidnap-for-ransom activities."

"Kaya nga it's not only before or during the election period, sometimes it can trail beyond, beyond the election period," he said

"I think we are in a better position kung ito ay palawigin natin ng isang taon not for anything else but for the best interest of the people of Mindanao," he added.

Nevertheless, Durana said he would leave it to Congress to decide on the proposed new extension.

"We are not here to implement the law or interpret policy. We just have to provide the necessary input and allow our leaders and politicians in Congress to decide if there really is a need to extend the imposition of martial law for another year," he said.

Duterte placed the entire island of Mindanao under martial law on May 23 last year after ISIS-inspired Maute group attacked and destroyed Marawi City.

Initially valid for only 60 days, Congress, upon Duterte's request, approved the extension of martial law in Mindanao twice, and is expected to end on December 31 this year.

A joint session of the Senate and the House of Representative is expected on Wednesday to deliberate on the request for another martial law extension in Mindanao. —Erwin Colcol/LBG, GMA News