MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Solicitor General on Wednesday asserted that martial law is still needed in Mindanao as terror remains in the southern region. "Martial law as an option of the president exists precisely to address a rebellion that endangers public safety," he also stressed. Members of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers said that public safety is the "most decisive element in the martial law powers of the President." Duterte's year-long extension of martial law in Mindanao is facing four petitions challenging its factual basis. RELATED: Monsod tells SC democracy is on the line during martial law hearing | Monsod: SC ruling in 2017 made martial law 'measure of first resort'Related video:

Source: Philippine Star January 24, 2018 11:48 UTC