AFP: Critics’ claims of nationwide martial law only “speculative”

This photo taken on July 12, 2017 shows government troops standing guard prior to a patrol in Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao./ AFP / Richel Umel/

(Eagle News) — Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Rey Guerrero dismissed critics’ claims of a declaration of martial law nationwide, saying these were only “speculative.”

“I will not dare to venture into such topic considering, not only because it’s speculative, but because it’s too early, it’s too far in the future for me to project,” Guerrero added.

He said as of now, the focus should be Mindanao.

“It was mentioned in Congress that probably we should be requesting for additional funds, considering the extension [of martial law] for one year,” he said.

This is the second time Congress voted to extend martial law in Mindanao.

The first time was on July 22, after the 60-day martial rule allowed by the Constitution lapsed.

President Rodrigo Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao after terrorists inspired by the Islamic State overran Marawi in May.