Duterte will ask for one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea (File photo by LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

President Rodrigo Duterte will ask Congress for a one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said on Sunday.

Medialdea said Duterte’s letter, seeking approval for martial law extension in the Mindanao would be transmitted to Congress on Monday, Dec. 11.

“[The] recommendation is one year,” Medialdea said in a text message sent to reporters.

Asked if it the extension would cover the entire Mindano, he said, “Yes.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said they had recommended a one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao.

Duterte declared martial law in the entire Mindanao region on May 23, when the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group attacked Marawi City in a bid to establish a caliphate there.

In July, Congress voted to extend martial law until Dec. 31 after the 60-day period had expired. /atm