The AFP and PNP claims another reason for martial law is to stop the collection of revolutionary taxes and prevent the New People’s Army (NPA) from implementing the revolutionary policies on the reactionary elections.

In fact, the AFP and PNP cannot stop the revolutionary movement from collecting taxes or ensuring policies with regard the conduct of elections. Enterprises operating their businesses in the territories under revolutionary authority continue to remit their duly assessed taxes based on their recognition of the strength and authority of and cooperation with the people’s democratic government (PDG).

In the same manner, political parties and candidates cooperate with the PDG concerning its policies with regard the conduct of election campaign to protect the interest of the people, which include prohibiting candidates from tagging along armed military, police or private bodyguards and using coercion against the people. Over the past weeks, many have already complied with policies and requirements including settlement of required fees, while numerous others have affirmed their plan to fulfill their obligations.

Military and police officials are only coming up with one reason after another for extending martial law in Mindanao. What they really want is perpetual martial law in order to rule with absolute power in line with their plan to manipulate the results of the 2019 midterm elections to ensure the election pro-Duterte and pro-AFP politicians and perpetuate military rule in their vain hope of attaining their pipedream of defeating the armed revolution by mid-2019 and suppressing the wide range of forces opposed to Duterte’s tyranny and terrorism.