Lorenzana recommends martial law shouldn’t be extended in Mindanao

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday said he already sent a recommendation to the Office of the President saying that martial law should no longer be extended in Mindanao.

This was mentioned by Lorenzana during a forum in Makati City.

“I just sent my recommendation today to the President, recommending the non-extension of martial law in Mindanao, the whole of Mindanao,” Lorenzana said.
Lorenzana said his recommendation was based on the assessment of the military and police

“I was assured by the Armed Forces, the police that we have already accomplished what we need to do. With the situation there now, we believe we can maintain the peace and order and improve it further without martial law,” he added.

Lorenzana said he personally believes that the security forces have achieved its objective of securing the region, noting that the non-extension of military rule in Mindanao is also good for business.

“It’s time to go back to normal. We can attract more investors,” Lorenzana said.

Sought for comment, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a text message that Duterte “will consider the recommendation of the people on the ground.”

The entire Mindanao was placed under martial law after the ISIS-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi City in May 2017.

It was supposed to last for only 60 days, but President Rodrigo Duterte requested Congress to extend it thrice. It is set to end on December 31, 2019.  — with Virgil Lopez/RSJ/KBK, GMA News