"Letter extension of martial law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte will be delivered tomorrow to the House and Senate," Fariñas told reporters this Sunday, December 10, citing a text message sent to him by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. However, he said he still has no information as to until how long the president want the extension.
Nevertheless, it is being assumed that President Duterte is asking for a 1-year extension of Martial Law in Mindanao. This is after the military and the police submitted last week separate reports recommending its extension, despite the fact that the Marawi crisis is over. According to them, there are still threats from other ISIS-linked groups.
Earlier today, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that President Duterte is still studying those recommendations. "President Duterte's paramount concern is the security of our people especially the Mindanaoans in the face of threats and the use of available means under the law to fight them," he said in a statement.
It can be recalled that last May 23, President Duterte had declared martial law in Mindanao through Proclamation No. 216. This came only a few hours after armed group Maute Group attacked Marawi City. The area became a battle field against the government security forces until October 23, when the Maute leaders were killed.
Last July 22, President Duterte asked Congress for approval of the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao since the 1987 Constitution only allows the president to declare martial law for a maximum of 60 days. The joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives approved his request via 261-18 votes.
Contributed by Renato Pasayao
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