PNP to back possible martial law extension in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines— The Philippine National Police said it will support the possible extension of martial law in Mindanao.

PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde said the police would back extending martial law in Mindanao, which was previously extended to December 31.

“If it will help. If the president or the government is inclined to extend it, then we will support it,” Albayalde said in a press briefing on Monday when asked if the police will recommend another extension.

“Remember, the martial law does not end with the Marawi incide,” he added in Filipino.

Albayalde cited that there are also other factors that could merit the extension of martial law, including securing the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

The Comelec is slated to hold the plebiscite for the creation of the Bangsomoro Autonomous Region on January 21, 2019 in areas in Mindanao considered for the inclusion. These include Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

'Better for peace and order'

Asked if the PNP believes there is a need to extend martial law, Albayalde said there is a necessity if it entails maintaining peace and order

“For us? I think if only we want to maintain the peace and order there, have a peaceful plebiscite there, it will be better. It’s because the martial law there is not the same as the martial law during the Marcos time. There is no curtailing of freedom there,” Albayalde said.

The PNP chief cited that the only change they saw during the implementation of martial law in Mindanao area the massive checkpoints, surrender of firearms.

Allegations of abuse

In September, lawmakers at the House of Representatives called for an inquiry into the deaths of seven young men in Patikul, Sulu whom the military says were Abu Sayyaf militants but whom rights group Suara Bangsamoro said were “husbands of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Patikul who were shot” while picking fruits.

In May this year, human rights group Karapatan sent United Nations rights experts a report of alleged violations that it had recorded since the declaration of martial law in May 2017.

It said it had documented at least 49 victims of extrajudicial killings in Mindanao, noting that most of the casualties are indigenous peoples and members of local peasant organizations.

It added that there were 22 cases of torture, 116 victims of frustrated extrajudicial killings, 89 victims of illegal arrest and detention and 336,124 victims of indiscriminate gunfire and aerial bombings. At least 404,654 individuals have also reportedly been displaced largely because of these bombings.

'Mindanaons prefer martial law'

Albayalde said that based on public feedback, most Mindanaons prefer having martial law.

In May 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte placed the whole of Mindanao under martial law following the Marawi siege in May 2017. The martial law has been extended by the Congress until December 31 this year.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea last August said extension of martial law is an option following the bombings that occurred in Mindanao provinces. 

READ: Palace on martial law extension in Mindanao: It's an option

Duterte also declared declared a "state of lawlessness" nationwide in September 2016 following a deadly blast in Davao City that killed at least 14 people and wounded 67 others.