Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he is not in favor of extending martial law in Mindanao.
Lorenzana instead recommends an enhance anti-terrorism law.
“Kung ako lang. I will not recommend anymore the extension. Tagal na masyado,”
Lorenzana told reporters.
He added that an amended “Human Security Act”would be much better than an extended martial law.
The proposed law states that alleged terrorists can be detained for 30 days.
“The President always says that he will defer to the advice and recommendation of those on the ground,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Martial law was declared in Mindanao after Marawi was held by Maute terrorists in 2017.
President Rodrigo Duterte has twice sought extension of martial law.
