Bong Go open to lifting Martial Law in Mindanao; awaits further recommendation from authorities

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said on Saturday, November 16, that he is open to lifting martial law in Mindanao upon further recommendation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"Kung hindi na talaga kailangan ngayon sabi ng PNP, AFP will also recommend or should have recommended already," Go said during an ambush interview.

The senator also said that he is working with authorities to determine when Martial law should be lifted and that he will listen to the will of the majority.

"Kung hindi na talaga kailangang i-extend ang Martial Law, suportado ko ito," he added.

Martial law in Mindanao was first introduced during the Marawi City siege on May 23, 2017 and was extended twice since. It is set to lapse on December 31, 2019.

The PNP said in a statement on November 13 that the martial law may still be extended in selected areas in the region to combat terrorism.