Mindanao security threats call for maximum extension of martial law 

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa on Wednesday said that martial law in Mindanao should be extended to the "maximum period" that the law allows, because all cities in the region are "under threat."

"Hindi naman specific threat but through our assessment, 'yun nga sinabi nga ng mga Maute, doon sa plano na nakuha sa video, na kapag hindi nila makuha itong, aside from Marawi, ay pwede nilang tirahin yung Iligan City at ibang cities," Dela Rosa said. 

"So, we assessed that all the major cities in Mindanao are under threat," he emphasized to reporters after the signing of the Record of Discussions between the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Korea International Cooperation Agency - to enhance the investigation capability of the PNP.

Dela Rosa was referring to earlier photos and videos of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and alleged members of Maute group apparently planning the attack on Marawi City.

This information should not be dismissed hastily, he said. 

"Mahirap na yung idisregard natin, we take this information seriously kasi nga nagawa na nila sa Marawi, pwede nilang gawin sa ibang lugar."

Mindanao martial law should be used to ensure the security and safety of the people, he pointed out.

"As I have said, we better not take chances. Maniguro tayo kaya nga nag-declare ng martial law. Maniguro tayo. Gamitin na natin itong martial law para makasiguro tayo sa safety and security ng buong Mindanao."

But he assured the public that security measures are in place in all cities and provinces in Mindanao.

"Well siguro kung maoobserhaan niyo lahat ng security forces, including the local governments ay talagang meron silang mga preparations sa kani-kanilang lugar pagdating sa security, pati mga mamamayan at yung community mismo," Dela Rosa said.

"They're very much aware that since they are in Mindanao, pwedeng mag-spillover yung problema sa kanilang lugar. So nagsipagbantayan yung mga tao doon," he added.

In reaction to Dela Rosa's statement, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said that the President abides by the law, and that he would lift martial law if the military and the police say so.

Abella on Martial Law Extension by gmanews on Scribd

Last Tuesday House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez vowed to push for a five-year extension “to stop” not just the Maute group, but other rebel groups including the New People’s Army.

But some senators have disagreed with Alvarez's idea.

On May 23, President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law shortly after the Maute-ISIS group attacked Marawi city on May 23. —LBG/KVD, GMA News