Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set to ask Congress today to extend martial law in the island of Mindanao which has been under military rule since May, following an Islamic State-linked terrorist attack in Marawi City.
According to Inquirer.net, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said in a text message to reporters yesterday that the Duterte will be asking for a one-year extension of martial law, as recommended by both the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines last week.
The police and the military think the area will benefit from this as they believe the threat from terrorist groups continues.
Martial Law in Mindanao is set to expire by the end of the year but House Majority Leader Fariñas told ABS-CBN News today that Congress may conduct sessions regarding the extension later this week.
“Our session officially ends on Friday, Dec. 15; hence, we may have a joint session on Thursday or Friday as part of the Second Regular Session, without need of a special session,” he said.
Congress will only be in session until Friday, Dec. 15 and will be on Christmas break until Jan. 14, 2018.
This is the second time Duterte has asked Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao. The Constitution stipulates that martial law can only last up to 60 days but in July, after a request from Duterte, Congress voted to extend it up to the end of the year.
Some Filipinos fear the possibility of a nationwide martial law similar to the one declared by dictator Ferdinand Marcos 45 years ago but Duterte has said that he does not plan to do this.
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