Palace welcomes Congress approval of Mindanao martial law extension

Malacañang has welcomed the approval of Congress to extend martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for another year in the entire region of Mindanao.

“We welcome the approval of both houses of Congress to extend the proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao beginning January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2018,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Public safety is our primordial concern; thus, we ask the public to stand behind the Administration and rally behind our defenders to quell the continuing rebellion in Mindanao; eradicate the DAESH-inspired Da’awatul Islamiyah Waliyatul Maxzsriq (DIWM) and other like-minded local/ foreign terrorist groups and armed lawless groups, and the communist terrorists and their coddlers, supporters and financiers; and ensure the unhampered rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi and the lives of its residents.”

“This is everyone’s shared responsibility.  Together, we will prevail,” he added.

Voting 240-27 with no abstention during the special joint session on Wednesday, Congress authorized the extension of martial rule in the southern region of the country.  /kga