Palace execs, security officials arrive for ‘martial law extension’ briefing in Senate

Palace and security officials led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea (middle), National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon (left), and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (right) await the beginning of the briefing they would give Senators today, December 12, 2017, regarding President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao for one year – from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. (INQUIRER.net / MAILA AGER)

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and security officials led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana have arrived at the Senate to brief senators on President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extended martial law in Mindanao for one year.

The briefing with senators is scheduled at 10 a.m.

Aside from Midealdea and Lorenzana, other officials who came for the briefing were 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.

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

Last May 23, Duterte declared martial law in the region after the terrorist Maute group attacked Marawi City.

In July, Congress approved the request to extend the declaration of martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2017.            /kga