MANILA, Philippines — Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured the public of fair elections in Mindanao in 2019 if martial law would again be extended in the South. “We can assure the people that the military, and the police will maintain peace and order and will want to have orderly, peaceful, and honest elections,” Lorenzana said during the joint session on the possible martial law extension in Mindanao. ADVERTISEMENTThe Defense chief was responding to the query of opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros regarding the role of law enforcers in the 2019 elections under martial rule. All we have to do is to ensure a peaceful and fair elections,” he said. In May 2017, Duterte declared martial law in the region after the ISIS-inspired Maute Group laid siege in Marawi City.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 12, 2018 04:41 UTC