Iloilo Governor believes extension depends on AFP, PNP, Congress

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya said he would seek the recommendation of the Department of National Defense (DND) before deciding on the proposed five-year extension of Martial Law in Mindanao.

In a statement, Gasataya said an evaluation of the situation in Mindanao must be made before taking a position.

He added, DND should be providing briefings to every member of Congress.

Last week, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he would push for a five-year extension of Martial Law in Mindanao, saying it would provide enough time to eradicate terrorism and insurgency in the region.

The proposal was quickly criticized by Senator Franklin Drilon, who leads the minority bloc in the Senate, saying they would oppose any extension to the policy.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. believes an extension to Martial Law depends on the opinion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and Congress.

During a press conference last Thursday, he said the extension should not be for five years./DGB, WDJ