(Eagle News) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday, Dec. 10, vowed to continue to collaborate with local chief executives and the people in Mindanao even if martial law there will no longer be extended.
“We will continue to collaborate with local chief executives and the people in the communities in the conduct of our current activities to sustain these gains brought about by martial law,” AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.
According to Arevalo, the military will also “pursue our advocacy towards the amendment of the Human Security Act..”
He said the military wants an anti-terrorism Law that will “not be too restrictive to security forces but has more teeth to prevent or counter terrorism.”
The Palace has confirmed President Rodrigo Duterte will no longer extend martial law in the island group when it lapses on Dec. 31.
The Palace said this was based on the assessment of his security advisers.
Martial law was imposed in Mindanao in May 2017, after Maute terrorists overran Marawi in a supposed bid to establish an Islamic caliphate in Mindanao.
Martial law was extended at least three times in the region.
