CNN Philippines’ David Santos contributed to this report
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 31) — As the year 2019 ends, so does martial law in Mindanao after two and a half years of implementation.
This was the second extension of martial rule in the South since the terror attacks by ISIS-inspired Maute group on Marawi City in 2017.
“The government didn’t request Congress to extend martial law. Martial law in Mindanao expires today, Dec. 31, 2019,” said Bangsamoro parliament member Zia Alonto Andolong in a message to reporters.
The Department of National Defense and the Philippine National Police earlier recommended the non-extension of martial law, citing improved peace, order and security in Mindanao. President Rodrigo Duterte heeded their recommendations.
“As martial law expires at 11:59 tonight (Dec. 31, 2019), we are confident of an improved security climate in Mindanao that will work for the benefit of fellow Filipinos,” said Armed Forces spokesperson BGen. Edgard Arevalo in a statement.
Arevalo said Proclamation 55, which declared a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence, is still in effect in the Mindanao island group.
“In the event that isolated incidents of violence and lawlessness erupt in Mindanao after law has lapsed, there is still Proclamation 55 in effect,” he said.
Duterte placed Mindanao under a state of emergency the bombing in Davao City in 2016.
Meanwhile, the police said martial law in Mindanao is no longer neccessary as terrorism has been contained.
“During that period, government gained solid foothold on some influenced and threatened communites where it effectively established military and police presence,” the police said in a statement.
READ: Is martial law the key to Mindanao’s quest for peace?
