Duterte to decide martial law fate on or before July 22, Palace says

July 17, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte will decide whether he would extend the imposition of martial law in Mindanao on or before July 22 with primary consideration on public safety, Malacanang said on Monday. In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Department of National Defense has submitted its recommendation on martial law to Duterte on July 13. "The President will go through and will make a decision on the matter," he said. Abella could not divulge the content of the DND recommendation. "As we all know, the president listens and he considers the positions not only of the military and of the police but also the interest of vital stakeholders," he said. Asked when Duterte could come up with a decision as the 60-day martial law period will expire on July 22, he said, "it should be on or before that." Duterte's consideration when he decides on the martial law fate "will be the threat to public safety especially in concerned areas," he added. Duterte declared martial law on May 23 in the whole of Mindanao shortly after the Islamic State-inspired Maute Terror Group started attacking and occupying Marawi City. Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa has said his office has also submitted its recommendation, which is for the president to extend martial law in Mindanao. (Celerina Monte/DMS)