Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 25) — President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday he will defer to local leaders in Mindanao on whether or not to extend martial law in the island group.
“I am not advocating for any continuance of the martial law. But if the local government units — the governors, mayors and even congressmen — would find it that it would be to the best interest of the Filipino in Mindanao, I would not hesitate to say yes,” he said in a speech during the inauguration of the Candon City Bypass Road in Ilocos Sur Thursday.
Mindanao has been under martial rule since May 2017 after the five-month attempted takeover of ISIS-inspired Maute rebels of Marawi City to establish a caliphate. It has been extended thrice following government’s reports of continuous threats from insurgents in the area, such as the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and communist rebels.
Duterte also said Mindanao continues to be a security problem.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon on Wednesday said he will vouch for another year of martial law in Mindanao, but said cities in more secure areas can be exempted.
