Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11) — As long as the New Pople’s Army (NPA) is committing acts of rebellion in Mindanao, the full force of martial law will be used against them.
This was the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Monday when asked to comment on how the government will use the requested extension of martial law to combat the terrorist group.
President Rodrigo Duterte asked Congress to extend the enforcement of martial law in Mindanao Sunday, to one year beginning January 1 to December 31, 2018.
READ: Duterte cites attacks of NPA, other terror groups in request to extend martial law in Mindanao
In the request, Duterte cited attacks of local and foreign terrorist groups, as well as the “intensified” rebellion of the New People’s Army (NPA), as reasons for the extension.
Duterte said the extension of martial law in Mindanao would be to “ensure total eradication” terrorist groups – which the NPA was declared by the President on December 5.
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Roque clarified “total eradication” to mean ensuring that these terrorist groups would no longer pose a threat, that all acts of rebellion from them have ceased, and “that they are not in a position to endanger public security.”
Roque recognized that, “Unfortunately, there will be fighting between government forces and the New People’s Army.”
“The military objective is a complete subjugation of the enemy, so much so that they cease to commit the act of rebellion or terrorism,” he said.
He clarified the act of rebellion is an “continuing” crime and as long as the NPA continues to fight, “they are committing a criminal act.”
Roque added the administrator of martial law has the authority to arrest individuals, as the writ of habeas corpus has been suspended. Those arrested “would have to await the lifting of martial law for judicial remedy.”
Roque also touched on the subject of mining companies being made to pay revolutionary tax to the NPA saying there was a special law against it.
“Individuals who will contribute financial resources may be investigated and prosecuted for funding terrorist organization,” he said.
The one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao was to have a “final period” to deal with these acts of rebellion. However he said it is possible for this period to be cut short.
Roque said he had faith that the President’s request for the extension of martial law would be granted by Congress before it goes into recess.
“There’s talk that Congress will either convene in joint session either on Wednesday or Thursday. So if it’s Thursday, then they will have to have a special session,” he said.
The extension of martial law in Mindanao was recommended by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, its administrator.
RELATED: AFP, PNP recommend extension of martial law in Mindanao
CNN Philippines Digital producer Pia Garcia contributed to this report.
