EXTENDING the declaration of martial law in war-torn Mindanao should be a "last resort" of the Duterte administration, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Jr. said on Thursday, November 8.
In a briefing in Malacañang, Esperon said the government needs to conduct an "extensive" study on the possible extension of martial law.
"We have had discussion with that in the national security cluster but we still woud like to think that the extension of martial law should be on a last resort basis. Kailangan hindi ‘yun ang uunahin nating iniisip kung hindi isipin natin kung ano ‘yung kailangan doon sa Mindanao," he said.
(We have had discussion with that in the national security cluster but we still woud like to think that the extension of martial law should be on a last resort basis. We don't have to focus on extending martial law. We have to first assess the situation in Mindanao.)
"We want the study to be extensive. Kaya ‘yung ating (So our) security forces -- Armed Forces and the PNP (Philippine National Police) -- are doing it with the national defense and the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government)," he added.
President Rodrigo Duterte was forced to place the entire Mindanao under martial law on May 23, 2017, a few hours after an armed conflict erupted in Marawi City.
Martial law in Mindanao has been extended twice and will expire on December 31, 2018.
Malacañang, the PNP, and the DILG, have expressed openness to thr possibility of extending martial law in Mindanao.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, on the other hand, has said it was still premature to recommend the extension of martial law in the southern part of the country.
Esperon said the President still has the final say to decide whether he would ask Congress for extending anew the promulgation of martial law in Mindanao.
"We are getting all the feedbacks from the people and it may interest you to know that majority of the people of Mindanao want it," he said.
"We are aware that the PNP has come out with a statement of support for the extension, as well as the secretary of Interior and Local Government, but let that be part of the recommendations that will go up to the President when it is time to decide and ask Congress for an extension for another period however long it will be," Esperon added.
Section 18, Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution states that the declaration of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of writ of habeas corpus can either be revoked or extended for a period determined by the Senate and the House of Representatives through joint voting. (SunStar Philippines)