DILG supports DND, AFP efforts in martial law implementation in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9): DILG supports DND, AFP efforts in martial law implementation in Mindanao

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is supporting the effort of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.

This was disclosed by DILG officer-in-charge Undersecretary Catalino Uy in an ambush interview at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Quezon City on Friday.

"We support the DND and AFP effort. They are the administrator and implementor of martial law there in Mindanao," Uy said.

The acting DILG chief made the disclosure as the DND issued the arrest order against 186 people accused of rebellion.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao last May 23 after the terrorist Maute group led by brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute, together with Isnilon Hapilon, the leader the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), took siege of Marawi City.

"So the PNP (Philippine National Police) being under the DILG, we support that effort, especially when the suspects are arrested, cases should be filed against them," Uy said.

The DILG official stressed that the role of the PNP commanders on the ground is to support the operations of the AFP.

"We always encourage the joint operations of the AFP and the PNP," Uy said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994569