MISAMIS Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano has welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte's decision not to extend martial law in Mindanao, which is set to end on December 31.
Emano said that Duterte, as the commander-in-chief, is more aware of the situation in Mindanao based on the reports the he received from the ground commanders.
"Atong itugyan ang non-extension sa martial law dinhi sa Mindanao sa hunahuna sa atong tigpatuman sa balaud (Let's entrust the non-extension of martial law in Mindanao to the one implementing the law). Nakahukom na si Presidente Rodrigo Duterte kabahin niini (Pres. Rodrigo Duterte has decided regarding this)," Emano said.
Emano also emphasized that, apart from the police and military, the public should also cooperate and support for the national government's program to end insurgency.
"Apan gikinahanglan gihapon sa kapulisan ug kasundalohan ang kooperasyon sa matag usa (But the police and military still need everyone's cooperation)," he added.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant despite the lifting of martial law in Mindanao.
Duterte's decision to not extend the martial law in the aforementioned island is based on the unanimous assessment of the security forces and defense advisers that the terrorists and extremists have been weakened as a result of the capture or neutralization of their leaders, according to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Tuesday, December 10.
He added that there has been a decrease in the crime index in Mindanao.
Mindanao was placed under martial law on May 23, 2017 several hours after an armed conflict erupted between the government forces and the Maute terrorists in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
The conflict lasted until October 2017 and despite the cessation of hostilities in Marawi, the Congress extended martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2018.
In December 2018, martial law was extended for the third time until December 31, 2019.