Duterte to wait for security forces’ recommendation on Mindanao martial law

November 20, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated that he would wait for the recommendation of the military and police on whether he would extend  martial law in Mindanao.

In a press conference late Tuesday night in Malacanang, Duterte said he would come up with a decision after he receives the recommendation.

"I will leave it to the military and the police to make the recommendation. Martial law is a military thing and it's their assessment or their evaluation of the Mindanao situation," he said.

"If the defense secretary says that it's no longer needed, I'll wait also for the statement of the military and the police. Then I will decide," he added.

The imposition of martial law in southern Philippines is set to expire by December 31.

Duterte, with the approval of Congress, placed the whole of Mindanao under martial law after the terrorist Maute-ISIS occupied Marawi City and staged rebellion in the area in May 2017. Celerina Monte/DMS