Palace says martial law still needed because of “subsisting rebellion” in region
(Eagle News) — Congress convened in a joint session on Wednesday, Dec. 12, to discuss whether to extend martial law in Mindanao, which expires on Dec. 31, anew.
In seeking for the martial law extension for a third time, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea cited a “subsisting rebellion” in the region despite what he said were the “substantial gains” accomplished while martial law was in place.
President Rodrigo Duterte first called for the imposition of martial law in Mindanao after Maute terrorists overran Marawi in May 2017.
According to Medialdea, the “remnants of local terrorist groups composed of the Daulah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf Group have continued with their political thrust,” the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have “remained adamant in pursuit of establishing an independent Islamic state,” and the Communist rebels have continued with their armed struggle.
“This is worsened by the presence of other terrorist elements who… share the same purpose of overthrowing the government,” Medialdea said.
Medialdea said no one should “fall into the trap” of believing the claims of those living far from Mindanao that there was no rebellion in the region.
“Now more than ever, we cannot show our enemies a moment of weakness to defeat them,” he said.
“You will be assured that current martial law in Mindanao will be implemented in a disciplined way, free from abuses and always abiding by the law,” he added.
