Duterte seeks extension of martial law
Print Edition
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte will ask Congress to extend martial law in the volatile southern island of Mindanao to quell an insurgency, cabinet officials said yesterday.
Duterte placed the region of 22 million people under military rule on May 23 after Islamist militants took over parts of the southern Marawi City in what was the Philippines’ biggest security crisis in years. Martial law is due to expire on December 31.
Duterte will today formally request a one-year extension of martial law, said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
The 23-member Senate and the 296-member House of Representatives will vote when they convene in joint session. Lawmakers are due to go on recess from this Saturday to January 14 next year.
Military rule should be extended in Mindanao, given threats from guerrillas, Islamist militants and separatist groups, said Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.
Militants linked to the so-called Islamic State, which tried to gain a foothold in Southeast Asia by capturing parts of Marawi City, were strengthening their recruitment programs, Andanar said.
“There were intelligence reports saying they are planning to attack another city,” Andanar said.
About two months ago, Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi City. More than 1,100 people — mostly militants — were killed and 350,000 displaced by the unrest in Marawi.
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