Duterte asks Congress to extend Mindanao martial law until end 2019
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has asked Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao until end of 2019, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea confirmed Friday.
“Yes,” Medialdea said when asked if Duterte has approved the recommendation of the police and military for extension of martial law in the region.
“[It’s] one year and [in] Mindanao,” he added.
In a text message to reporters on Friday, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Congress may call a joint session to tackle martial law extension on December 12.
Sotto, however, said they have yet to receive the letter from the President.
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READ: Sotto: Duterte likely to call for joint session on martial law extension
On May 23, 2017, Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law after the ISIS-inspired Maute Group attacked Marawi City.
The 1987 Constitution provides that martial law can only be imposed for a maximum of 60 days.
But Mr. Duterte asked Congress to extend it until December 31, 2017 after it expired on July 2017.
Mr. Duterte again asked Congress for another extension of martial in Mindanao until December 31, 2018.
Both times, Congress approved the President’s request.
Under the Constitution, martial law could be imposed or extended if invasion or rebellion exist. /kga
