Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 13) — Mindanao units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said they will be pushing for a limited implementation of martial law in the island.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, AFP Western Mindanao Command Chief, said they will propose a “selective” martial law that will focus largely on the Bangsamoro Region. He hinted that the cities of Davao and Cagayan de Oro were not included in their recommendation of areas to remain under martial rule. These two cities are not under his military jurisdiction.

"Selective, I don't recommend na the whole of Mindanao, sa areas lang siguro na medyo nakikita natin na may problema pa tayo [only in areas where we still see problems] in terms of security, in terms of delivery of services, kasi [because]as part of our mandate with the implementation of our... declaration of martial law, 'yun 'yung aming mandato [that is our mandate] to monitor the performances of local gov't officials, from the governor down to barangay captain," he said.

Mindanao military units are set to submit their security assessment of Mindanao in December before presenting it to Congress, he added.

In August, the Davao City Council formally requested Malacañang to lift martial law in the area, which has been in effect in the entire Mindanao since 2017.

The council said the city has been in a “very good peace and order situation.” However, Malacañang advised against the proposal, saying it might result in violence spreading in other areas instead.

The government placed Mindanao under martial law following the attack on Marawi City by local and international terrorists on May 23, 2017. It will continue until December this year.