MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte will consider the statement of Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana that he is not inclined to recommend extending martial law in Mindanao for the fourth time. Martial law since May 2017Mindanao has been under martial law since May 2017, following an encounter between government troops and the Maute terror group in Marawi City. Although initially set for 60 days, the declaration of martial law has since been extended upon approval by both chambers of Congress. Parts of Mindanao, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao had been militarized even martial law was declared there. Lorenzana said that Congress’ amendment of the Human Security Act of 2007 is a “better arrangement” than martial law.

Source: Philippine Star November 11, 2019 07:54 UTC