Philippine President asks for extension of martial law in Mindanao
Philippine President asks Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the Congress to extend martial law in the entire Mindanao and nearby islands to the end of the year to crush rebels inspired by the Islamic State militant group.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: EPA/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the Congressto extend martial law in the entire Mindanao and nearby islands to the end ofthe year to crush rebels inspired by the Islamic State militant group.
The President’s Spokesman, Ernesto Abella, said on July 17 that Duterte met parliamentariansrequesting for an extension of martial law until Dec. 31, 2017 as it willexpire on July 22.
The possible extension is to allow security forces to continue with theiroperation unhampered by the deadline and to focus more on the liberation ofMarawi and its rehabilitation and rebuilding, the President said.
Duterte declared martial law for 60 days on the entire Mindanao and nearbyisland provinces after extremists linked to the Islamic State laid siege toMarawi city in May.
The country's constitution allows the President to impose martial law for up to60 days and beyond two months, the President can extend it "for a periodto be determined by the Congress".
The ongoing Marawi conflict has so far claimed lives of 556 people, including413 terrorists, 98 security forces and 45 civilians.-VNA
A top military general of the Philippines said on June 13 that Islamic militants are controlling 20 percent of the southern city of Marawi in Mindanao island.
People who ran away from their houses due to fights between military and Islamic gunmen in Marawi on Mindanao island in the south of the Philippines have become vulnerable to epidemics and mental shocks.
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on July 3 that Philippine security authorities need more time to consider whether or not to lift the martial law on Mindanao island.
The Philippine Supreme Court on July 4 upheld the martial law declared by President Rodrigo Duterte in the southern region, while the country has been fighting against militants.
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