MANILA, Philippines — Extending the declaration of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao would allow government troops to protect the region, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said.
During the joint session of Congress for the second extension of martial law, Medialdea justified President Rodrigo Duterte's request to extend the declaration for one more year.
"We do not ask for an unlimited martial law. What we are seeking is an unlimited peace," Medialdea told the Congress.
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Echoing Duterte's letter to the Congress, Medialdea stressed that the extension of martial law in Mindanao is needed to ensure public safety and to end the rebellion in the region.
Despite the liberation of Marawi from ISIS-inspired terrorists, local terror groups and the New People's Army pose security threats in the region, according to the president.
"Our armed forces and the police personnel remain steadfast in their commitment as a protector of our people and in their duty to secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory," Medialdea said.
The two chambers of the 17th Congress are expected to vote on Duterte's request to extend martial law in Mindanao within the day.