(Eagle News)–President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, Dec. 3, said he had yet to decide on whether to extend martial law in Mindanao for a third time.
Duterte told reporters this would depend on the recommendation made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
Earlier, outgoing AFP Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez Jr. said they would recommend another extension, noting what he said was the public clamor for the same.
He also noted the achievements of government security forces that were made possible by martial law, such as the gains in the fight against communust insurgency and terrorism, among others.
“The papers have not yet been submitted to me,” Duterte said.
He said, however, that the matter may be taken up during the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
The martial rule in Mindanao is set to lapse in December.
The President had first sought for the same after Maute terrorists overran Marawi in May 2017.
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