CHR demands ‘strong reason’ for third martial law extension

MANILA, Philippines — ”There has to be a strong reason” should the government move for another extension of martial law in Mindanao.

This was Commission on Human Rights’ (CHR) reaction after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) planned to recommend another martial law extension in Mindanao.

Last December 3, Outgoing AFP chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. cited terrorist incidents such as the Basilan blast, Sulu encounters, and bomb explosions in Central Mindanao as some of the basis for the recommendation.

Last December 5, AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also officially signed the document recommending the extension of martial law in Mindanao for another year.

The human rights body then said martial law is no longer necessary, noting that security forces are capable of addressing threats in the country.

“It has been the position of the Commission on Human Rights that our security forces are fully capable of addressing lawless violence in the country without the need for martial law,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.