THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) head said on Thursday that the government’s implementation of martial law in Mindanao gets “appreciation” from local residents, even wanting to make it “permanent.” “Martial law in Mindanao is being appreciated. Maganda ang implementation People say, ‘Sana martial law na lang forever,’” Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez Jr., AFP chief-of-staff, said during a press briefing by Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) in Marawi City on Thursday Morning. Mr. Galvez, who was stationed for many years in Mindanao prior to his current top post, also said the military is still “validating” reports that Owayda Benito Marohombsar, also known as Abu Dar, is the new leader of the Maute group. According to the AFP, Abu Dar is the only remaining significant figure among those who plotted the attack in Marawi City in May last year. — Arjay L. Balinbin

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