In a statement, Lorenzana said the purpose of martial law has been accomplished.
“Our security forces have determined that the purpose of implementing martial law has been attained and the prevailing conditions in the whole of Mindanao Island as well as the Islands of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi have greatly improved since the defeat of the Maute fighters in October 2017,” said the Defense chief.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 4) – Defense Secretary Delfin said on Wednesday he has recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte to no longer extend martial law in Mindanao beyond this year.
“Yes, confirmed. No extension,” said Lorenzana in a phone message to CNN Philippines, without giving details.
President Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao in May 2017 after terrorists attacked Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Since then, the President sought for extensions in 2018 and 2019 citing the need to quell rebellion in the South..
He added, “The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) believes that the Maute group and other threat groups can no longer launch a Marawi-type attack as their forces and capabilities have significantly dwindled.”
Last month, Lorenzana said he was not keen on a longer martial rule in Mindanao.
“Kung ako lang, I will not recommend anymore the extension. Tagal na masyado eh. We can do our job naman,” he said in a media interview.
[Translation: If it were up to me, I will not recommend another extension. It has been in place for too long. We can do our jobs without it.]
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) also confirmed that it has sent its recommendation to the Department of National Defense and the Department of Interior and Local Government to lift the martial law soon.
“The PNP confirms its recommendation submitted to the Department of National Defense and the Department of Interior and Local Government, and concurs with the AFP assessment, for the lifting of martial law and that it may no longer be extended beyond the authorized period,” said PNP Spokesperson PBGen. Bernard Banac in a statement.
