Duterte to extend martial law in Mindanao if it’s best for public interest

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he would not hesitate to extend martial law in Mindanao if it would be to the best interest of Filipinos there.

In a speech during the inauguration of a bypass road in Candon City in Ilocos Sur, Duterte said: “Mindanao continues to be a problem.”

“I am not advocating for any continuance of the martial law. But if the local government unit, the governors, mayors, and even the congressmen would find it that it could be to the best interest of the Filipino in Mindanao, I would not hesitate to say yes,” he said./ac