Palace thanks Congress for extending martial law in Mindanao

Malacañang is grateful to Congress after it approved President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2017.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said “the nation has chosen to stand united in defending the Republic.”

“We thank Congress for approving the extension of martial law until December 31, 2017,” Abella said in a statement Saturday.

He said the extension of military rule in Mindanao was needed to stop the spread of the “evil ideology of terrorism” in the country.

“The extension of martial law is essential to the overall peace and stability. The rebellion in Marawi continues to persist and we want to stop the spread of the evil ideology of terrorism and free the people of Mindanao from the tyranny of lawlessness and violent extremism,” he said.

The Palace official urged lawmakers and the public to “get on with the job of nation-building and contribute in the attainment of the full promise of Mindanao.”

“There is much work to be done to bring back public safety and law and order in the whole island of Mindanao.  There is much work to be done in the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi,” he said.

“Together, let us transform Mindanao into a land of fulfillment,” he added.

The Senate and House of Representatives convened in a joint session on Saturday to tackle the President’s request for martial law extension.

A total of 261 lawmakers from both houses approved the extension until Dec. 31, 2017 while 18 opposed this./atm