Mindanao prelate opposes martial law extension

A Mindanao-based prelate expressed opposition to the move of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend martial law in the Mindanao region for another year.

In a news entry posted in the website of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Monday, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma said an extension of military rule will affect the business industry in the region.

"Martial law will only affect the economic standing of Mindanao. There are less investors because of that,” Ledesma said.

"There is no need for martial law. In fact, people are saying there is practically no martial law now so we might as well go back to normal,” he added.

Ledesma said the terror and communists' threats mentioned by Duterte in his letter to Congress should be handled by "normal" military and police operations.

Meanwhile, Marawi City Bishop Edwin dela Peña had also voiced his opposition to the proposed extension.

However, should the extension be approved, Dela Peña said it should be limited to areas of tension like Marawi City to facilitate the area's rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Duterte, in a letter dated December 8, requested Congress to extend military rule in the region for one year following the recommendation of the military and police.

He cited threats from terrorists and communists as reasons why it is necessary to extend his declaration.

Duterte placed the entire region of Mindanao under a 60-day martial law after the ISIS-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi City on May 23.

Congress, in special session on July 22, voted to approve Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2017.

The Senate and the House of Representatives are set to hold a joint session on Duterte’s request on Wednesday. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News