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| Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (Image: Wiki Commons) |
By AJ Bolando
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa announced Monday that he has recommended the extension of martial law in Mindanao.
In a press briefing after the weekly flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame, Dela Rosa said he submitted the PNP's position paper to President Rodrigo Duterte last week.
“Meron kaming position paper na isinubmit last Friday expressing our stand on extending the martial law, pero hindi pa namin inilagay ang period up to when,” [We have a position paper posted last Friday expressing our stand on extending the martial law, but we have not put the period up to when - Google Translate] the PNP chief said. The original declaration, made on May 23, will lapse this month as the 1987 Constitution only allows the imposition of martial law for a maximum of 60 days unless Congress allows an extension.
The House of Representatives and the Senate, which both opted against holding a joint session to discuss the declaration of martial law, is controlled by administration-led "supermajorities."
Dela Rosa added that the recommendation for an extension of martial law is for all of Mindanao, just as in the Duterte's declaration after the Maute terror group attacked Marawi City. Fighting in the city is still ongoing as government troops try to retake villages where terrorists have fortified themselves in.
Read the full story at PhilStar