THERE is no need yet to lift martial law in Mindanao, Malacañang said Wednesday, a year after Islamic State-inspired fighters stormed Marawi City.
Presidential Spokes-person Harry Roque said as long as the need for martial law ceases, the declaration will be lifted.
“Wala pong gusto na magkaroon ng (Nobody wants) martial law beyond the necessity of having martial law. So the palace would like to assure the public the moment the need for martial law ceases, it will be lifted,” Roque said in a video statement.
“But certainly one year after the siege, the time to lift martial law is not yet here. So it will be lifted as long as there is no need for martial law,” he added.
Roque, however, did not give a timeline nor conditions that will prompt the lifting of the declaration.
The spokesperson issued the statement in response to Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago’s call for President Rodrigo Duterte to end martial law in Mindanao following reports of human-rights violations in the region.