Palace to martial law critics: Go to SC

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

Malacañang on Monday said critics of the proposed extension of martial law in Mindanao are free to challenge it before the Supreme Court should Congress approve it.

“They are free to challenge martial law anew in the Supreme Court,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing.

“But please note, there have been two challenges and in both cases the Palace position has been upheld,” Roque added.

He said Malacañang was confident that Congress would approve Duterte’s request for martial law extension in the entire Mindanao for one more year.

In a letter addressed to Congress, Duterte sought  to extend martial law for one year in the entire Mindanao, citing the continued threat of terrorism and rebellion in the region, which makes Mindanao “the hotbed of rebellion.”

The President said it was the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which recommended the extension of martial law in Mindanao for one year.

Asked about why Duterte wanted one more year of extension, Roque said security forces want a “final period” for the “total eradication” of the terrorists and communists in the region.

“I think they want a final period to deal with these acts of rebellion,” he said.

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.