Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on the non-extension of martial law in Mindanao
The Office of the President wishes to announce that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will not extend martial law in Mindanao upon its expiration on December 31, 2019.
The Commander-in-Chief made the decision following the assessment of his security and defense advisers of the weakening of the terrorist and extremist rebellion, a result of the capture or neutralization of their leaders, as well as the decrease in the crime index, among the factors considered.
Contrary to the suppositions of the vocal minority on the proclamation of martial law in Mindanao, this decision of the President shows how he responds to the situation on the ground.
The Palace is confident on the capability of our security forces in maintaining the peace and security of Mindanao without extending Martial Law.
The people of Mindanao are assured that any incipient major threat in the region would be nipped in the bud.
