Duterte asks Congress to extend martial law for 2019 — Medialdea

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte 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.

JUST IN | Hiniling na ni Pres. Duterte sa Kongreso na palawigin pa ang martial law sa Mindanao, ayon kay Executive Sec. Salvador Medialdea. | via @halili_maricel pic.twitter.com/ED5DJexe8R

— News5 AKSYON (@News5AKSYON) December 7, 2018

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 said they recommended another year considering the continuing threat "lurking" in Mindanao.

READ: AFP, PNP back another year of martial law

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 in 2017 to extend martial law in the region for the year 2018.