IT IS TOO early to ask Congress for another extension of the martial law in Mindanao despite the recent bombings in the area, Malacañang said on Friday, August 31.
In a press conference, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roqe Jr. said President Rodrigo Duterte would have to wait first for the assessment of the state forces before making any pronouncements about a possible martial rule extension in Mindanao.
"Ang katotohanan po, matagal pa po ang Disyembre, matagal pa po 'yung panahon kung kailan dapat humingi ng extension sa Kongreso ang ating Presidente, [humingi] for an extension of martial law kung mayroon man," Roque told Palace reporters in an interview.
(The truth is, it's not yet December. The Presidet still has more time to request Congress for an extension, for an extension of martial law, if need be.)
"Masyado pang maaga... (It's still early.) As I said, the decision whether or not to extend [martial law in Mindanao] will be pursuant to a recommendation to be made by our security forces," he added.
On Wednesday, August 29, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said extending martial law in Mindanao was an "option," following the deadly bomb explosion in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat on August 28 that killed two people and injured 35 others.
Prior to the Suldan Kudarat blast, another bombing incident occurred while the military was conducting a checkpoint in Lamitan City, Basilan on July 31, killing at least 10 people, including the driver allegedly transporting bombs.
On May 23, 2017, Duterte declared a 60-day martial rule in the whole of Mindanao, after Islamic State-affiliated Maute extremists laid siege to Marawi City.
Duterte asked Congress to extend the promulgation of martial law until December 31, 2017, in an effort to completely quell the Maute group's insurgency.
In October 2017, the government forces liberated Marawi City but Duterte sought another extension of martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2018.
For now, Roque said the government would monitor the developments in the southern part of the country.
"Hindi pa po niya tinatanong ang mga security forces. I'm sure kung hihingi siya ng opinyon, it will be asked in the next command conference. Pero wala pa pong nababanggit ang Presidente," he said.
(The President has yet to ask the security forces. I'm sure if he asks for opinion, it will be asked in the next command conference. But the President has yet to mention anything.)
"Tignan po muna natin (let's see) and I'm not in a position to substitute my decision to that of the men on the grounds," he added. (SunStar Philippines)