Duterte to formally ask Congress to extend martial law for one year, official says

December 10, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected this week to formally ask Congress to further extend the imposition of martial law in Mindanao for one year, official said on Sunday.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea told reporters in a text message that Duterte's letter seeking for the extension of martial law will be transmitted to Congress on Monday.

"Letter will be out tomorrow," he said.

Both the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the Department of National Defense, have recommended to the President the extension of martial law.

While the PNP has recommended for an extension of another year, the AFP was mum on its proposal.

The state security forces have recommended the extension of martial law due to the continued threats from terrorist groups in Mindanao.

Aside from the remnants of the Islamic State-inspired Maute terror group, Abu Sayyaf Group, and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the government forces are also pursuing the communist New People's Army, which Duterte recently declared as a terrorist group, along with the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao last May 23 for 60 days shortly after the terrorists occupied and attacked Marawi City. But the martial law declaration was extended until December 31, 2017. Celerina Monte/DMS