Palace, security execs brief senators on martial law extension

Senators held a closed-door meeting on Tuesday with implementors of martial law in Mindanao to discuss the one-year extension of the military rule in the region being sought by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Among those present in the meeting were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, and Local Government Undersecretary Eduardo Año, among others.

At least six lawmakers were present as of posting – Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, and Senators Panfilo Lacson, Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros.

Aside from Drilon, Aquino and Hontiveros are members of the minority bloc.

Congress is also set to hold a joint session on Wednesday to tackle Mr. Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao for another year.

Duterte declared martial law in the region last May after the terrorist Maute group attacked Marawi City.

In July, Congress approved the request to extend the declaration until December 31, 2017.                  /kga