Expanding martial law beyond Mindanao is always an option, given the threat that Islamic State (IS)-inspired groups may attack anywhere, Palace Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said on Sunday. “What the President said was that once these extremists launch attacks, he would exercise his authority to declare martial law. The ensuing five-month siege wrought havoc on the lives of the Marawi City residents, displacing 500,000 residents and destroying millions of pesos worth of property in the once thriving city. The war also took the lives of hundreds of soldiers, policemen and civilians, as well as about 800 militants from the Maute Group, according to the military. Despite this, Duterte, on the recommendation of the Defense department, had asked Congress for a one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao, which Congress recently approved.

Source: Manila Times December 17, 2017 16:53 UTC