Philippine soldiers patrolled after Marawi was liberated on October 17 (Source: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – TheArmed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) support the extension of martial law in thesouthern region of Mindanao to address security threats, said AFP spokesmanMajor General Restituto Padilla.
Speaking at a recent pressbriefing, Padilla stressed the need for the extension of the martial law as extremistswho survived the Marawi siege are recruiting more members and violence isincreasing.
Earlier, the Philippine NationalPolice and Army had recommended President Rodrigo Duterte to extend martial lawfor one year.
The President declared martiallaw in Mindanao on May 23 to quell the IS-inspired Maute group after itattacked Marawi city.
It is set to expire on December31. If Duterte is to follow the recommendation of the police and military, hewill have to ask the Congress to approve the extension.
The Marawi conflict ended after154 days of fighting between Government forces and the Maute group, claiming thelives of over 100 soldiers, at least 47 civilians and around 800 terrorists.
However, there remains a concernthat Mindanao may become a hotbed attracting IS gunmen who are expelled fromIraq and Syria.-VNA
VNA
