Philippine military in Mindanao (Source: Xinhua/VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The PhilippineCongress on December 13 has approved the one-year extension of martial law inMindanao Island, aiming to completely eradicate terrorists and rebels in thecountry’s southern region.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte onDecember 11 asked theCongress to extend martial law in the southern island of Mindanao by the end of2018 to continue tracking down Islamic militants.
The extension is necessary to prevent pro-ISmilitants’ uprisings again in Mindanao, he suggested in the letter sent to thecountry’s lawmakers.
The military rule was declared in Mindanaoon May 23 in response to attacks by terrorists of Islamic groups in the city ofMarawi. The martial law is limited to 60 days by the 1987 Constitution, but anextension was issued until December 31.
Long-running battles between the Philippinegovernment and Maute terror group in Marawi city claimed about 1,000 lives anddisplaced 500,000 people.
Although Marawi city has been liberated, thePhilippine army warned that the group remains a threat to the region as itsmilitants are seeking new members.-VNA
VNA
