“The Armed Forces of the Philippines has been the only guarantee of the country and the people against an unjustified declaration of martial law, or worse a revolutionary government. Military sources told the Inquirer that martial law could help in addressing the terror threat but they are divided on whether or not the entire Mindanao should be included. “Perhaps putting the entire Mindanao under martial law is a strategy to show people that government is not singling out any province,” the source, a mid-level officer, said. The source also said that having a “trust worthy” martial law administrator would help ease concerns over the possibility of abuses under martial rule. Mr. Duterte named AFP chief of staff General Eduardo Año as the martial law administrator, extending the military chief’s term for another six months.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 24, 2017 11:15 UTC