Lorenzana: Filipinos can trust gov't forces if martial law extends

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday assured the Filipino people that defense and security establishments could be trusted if martial law in Mindanao would be extended.

"They can trust their Armed Forces to protect them and advance the people's best interest," Lorenzana said in a statement.

This statement comes after the remarks of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that he wants to extend the declaration until 2022.

READ: Palace distances from Alvarez comment on martial law extension

Lorenzana added that every decision of government security forces is anchored on the rule of law and respect for human rights.

The Defense secretary, however, stressed that the declaration of martial law depends on the power of President Rodrigo Duterte as commander-in-chief.

Such "extraordinary power" must be resorted only when warranted by national security circumstances, the secretary said.

"Our Constitution has prescribed limitations precisely to prevent its being abused as it has implications to the country's peace and order, economy, trade, tourism and our people," Lorenzana said.

"As the Administrator of Martial Law in Mindanao, we will follow whatever path will be laid out by the national government," he added.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla earlier said that extending the declaration for five years may be "too long for the moment."

The military has yet to finish its assessment of the situation in Marawi City and the rest of Mindanao before making a recommendation to the president for a possible extension of martial law.

"Magrerekomenda lang ang ating Department of National Defense o ang Armed Forces pero ang eventual decision ay kinakailangan manggaling sa political leadership na merong mas malawak na pinagbabatayan ng kanilang desisyon," Padilla said.

READ: AFP: 5-year martial law extension too long