VP Robredo to Martial Law Extension: I trust the AFP and the DND

Vice President Leni Robredo, upon being asked about her views regarding the controversial proposed extension of Martial Law in Mindanao, said that she trusts the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Department of National Defense (DND) headed by Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. 

The Vice President, however, noted that even though she trusts the military, she still thinks that it is necessary for the AFP and DND to answer a couple of questions to explain the necessity and justification of the said extension.

Photo credits to the owner 

Photo credits to the owner

The Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, received security briefings regarding the situation of Mindanao. In the briefings, President Rodrigo Duterte requested that Martial Law be extended in Mindanao for a year with the purpose of promoting sustainable security in the conflict stricken area.

Robredo said reporters: “Iyong sa akin po kasi, tiwala tayo sa AFP, tiwala po tayo sa DND (Department of National Defense) – kay Secretary [Delfin] Lorenzana – sa kanilang assessment kung ano ang kailangan para ma-secure iyong Marawi, ma-secure iyong Mindanao. Gusto po nating bigyan ng suporta.”

DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana / Photo credits to the owner

DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana / Photo credits to the owner

She then laid out a condition that specific plans by the military should be drawn out in order for the Senate and House of Representatives to contemplate and discern the matter properly.

Specifically the Vice President said: "Unang una, bakit kailangang isang taon? Sunod, bakit kailangang buong Mindanao? Pangatlo, ano ba iyong mga dagdag na kapangyarihan na puwedeng ibigay ng martial law sa pamahalaan para makatulong... para ma-fast-track iyong rehabilitation ng Marawi [at] pangalawa, ma-ensure iyong seguridad sa lugar?"

Robredo then said that she thinks that the Congress should also inquire to the AFP and DND on what are the safeguards that they could provide to make sure that abuses are avoided.

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Source: Rappler