Martial Law Extension Expected To Be Supported By Congress
The extension of martial law in Mindanao is expected to be supported by the members of the two chambers of Congress if Malacañang asks for it.
Congressmen and senators would like to support the decision of Duterte administration, although they were asking for security briefings on the current situation in Marawi City. The Supreme Court (SC) has also ruled that Duterte’s proclamation of martial rule has factual basis, so Malacañang does not see any hindrance on president’s decision.
On May 23, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a 60-day martial law throughout the entire region of Mindanao Island due to the extended gun battle between the government forces and the Maute Terror Group in Marawi City.
The siege in Marawi City has started when the government troops raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who asked for reinforcement from the Maute Group and fought back the government forces.
The martial law in Mindanao will lapse on July 23, 2017, a day before the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Duterte based on the constitution limit of 60 days.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar believes that there will be no difficulties if President Duterte would seek to extend the martial law in Mindanao to control the situation in the beleaguered city.
“It depends on when the conflict in Marawi will end. I think it will see its end. But if it is not yet finished. The declaration of martial law was supported by Congress and the judiciary,” said by Andanar quoted by Philstar.
The allies of Mr. Duterte in Congress have approved the resolution supporting the martial law and rejecting the oppositions. However, some lawmakers were asking for a closed-door meeting from security officials regarding the situation in Marawi.
Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said that it is easy to justify the martial law extension because there have been no any human rights violations.
11 justices have already agreed Duterte’s Proclamation 216 while three of them voted that it should be limit only to Marawi City. Associate Justice Marvic Leonen has voted against the extension of martial law in Mindanao.
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