Defense department, military to submit recommendation extending martial law in Mindanao in December

October 19, 2018

The defense department and the military will submit its recommendation to Malacanang whether to extend martial law for the fourth time in Mindanao in December.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana  said Friday a review of the overall security landscape in Mindanao is being done.

“It’s ongoing (review) and we will submit (our recommendation) first week or middle of December,” said Lorenzana.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law in May 23, 2017  after the Maute-Abu Sayyaf Group occupied Marawi City.

Duterte later extended martial law to six more months and then one year after both Houses of Congress approved it.

The Maute-Abu Sayyaf Group were driven out of Marawi towards the last quarter of 2017, with President Rodrigo Duterte declaring Marawi liberated on October 17.  DMS