Martial law needed to deal with all Mindanao security threats

From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): Martial law needed to deal with all Mindanao security threats

Martial law is needed to decisively deal with all security concerns in Mindanao.

This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a statement Wednesday.

"Martial Law is imperative for once and for all to address security concerns in the entire Mindanao immediately and decisively," he added.

Lorenzana said government troops are currently dealing with the situation in Marawi City.

Fighting started in the city last May 23 when government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon who was reportedly hiding and seeking treatment for his wounds in the locality.

"President (Rodrigo) Duterte’s imposition of Martial Law aims to put an end to the long running rebellion in various provinces in the south, as evidenced by the incidents that happened in Zamboanga, Davao, Bohol, Lanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Maguindanao," he added.

"As the President has repeatedly said, 'kung magde-declare ako ng Martial Law, tatapusin ko nang lahat ito,” referring to threats posed by ISIS-linked local and foreign terrorist groups whose network covers the entire Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992370