Lawmakers from both the Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives have approved the request of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2019.
In today’s joint session, 235 lawmakers voted for the extension of martial law, 28 voted against it, while one abstained, ABS-CBN News reported.
On Friday, Duterte asked legislators to extend martial law across the southern Philippines to end violence in Mindanao. CNN Philippines reported that he claimed that the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Maute group, and other local terrorist groups are enlisting members to carry out violent acts in the region.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo backed this up and said a third extension was needed to “protect the nation and its people.”
“A halt may only frustrate the progress we are witnessing in Mindanao and may even strengthen the rebellion and propel it to other parts of the country,” Panelo said in a statement.
This is the third extension of martial law after Duterte declared it in May 2017 when the Marawi siege happened, Rappler reported.
More than a thousand were killed in the battle, most of whom were terrorists, CNN Philippines stated.
Martial law allows the military to establish control with measures like curfews, checkpoints, and gun controls in a nation where civilians are allowed to own firearms.
But it is a sensitive matter in the country after dictator Ferdinand Marcos enforced a nationwide martial law from 1972 to 1981. According to reports, at least 3,257 people were reportedly killed and some 35,000 others were tortured during those years.
Before the vote, House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. said that the House believes that a further extension of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus will enable the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies to put an end to the rebellion.
“[This will] keep it from escalating to other parts of the country, and prevent a catastrophe similar to what happened in Marawi City,” Andaya was quoted by Rappler.
However, lawmakers who were opposed to the request said there was no basis to extend martial law.
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero was quoted saying by Philippine Star: “This cannot be the new normal for Mindanao.”
