Protesters rally outside the House of Representatives in Manila during Saturday's special joint session at which lawmakers voted to extend martial law on Mindanao until the end of the year. The vote came just hours before the initial 60-day period of military rule was due to expire. The crisis in Marawi has so far left close to 600 people killed, including 428 militants, 105 government soldiers, and 45 civilians. Lorenzana and other security officials explained to Congress that the martial law extension for all of Mindanao was necessary to be able to address the other security threats. Military chief Gen Eduardo Ano had said he would recommend an early lifting of martial law when the necessary conditions are met.

Source: Bangkok Post July 22, 2017 08:48 UTC