Duterte asks Congress: Extend ML in Mindanao

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said.

The House of Representatives will meet in a joint session next week to tackle the proposed extension.

“The joint session is set for Wednesday,” House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. told The STAR in a text message.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police recommended to the president the extension of martial law in Mindanao for another year to "make a significant dent on terrorism." Outgoing AFP chief Carlito Galvez said they recommended another year considering the continuing threat "lurking" in Mindanao.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao in May 2017 after Islamic State-linked fighters took over the city of Marawi in a five month-long armed siege.

This is the second time Duterte asked the Congress to extend martial law in the region.