(Eagle News) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines has recommended a one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao.
This is according to AFP Spokesperson Restituto Padilla, who spoke to the media on Friday.
“As far as I’m concerned, there is a recommendation to similarly support the recommendation of the (Philippine National Police),” he said.
He said the recommendation has been submitted to the Department of National Defense, whose secretary, Delfin Lorenzana, submitted the same to Malacanang.
According to Padilla, there were certain factors that prompted the military to make the same recommendation to the Chief Executive.
For one, he said that although the Dawla Islamiyah, which is the name adopted by Maute, “has been significantly degraded,” it “remains a threat.”
He said those who survived, after all, are attempting to recover by recruiting the “vulnerable” sector of the population–students, children and the relatives of those who died during the war in Marawi.
He said they were doing this by enticing them with cash rewards.
“This is something we don’t want,” Padilla said.
He said at the same time, the country also “faces significant violent acts” from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, Cotabato, among others.
He said there was also the “continued existence” of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu, Basilan and Tawi Tawi.
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