The President, however, warned that if violence erupts anew in Mindanao and he declares martial law again, he would do it his way and would no longer listen to anyone. Members of the opposition and some non-government organizations have challenged the martial law declaration before the SC, believing there is no sufficient basis to place the entire island under military rule. The military claimed that the number of Maute terrorists is dwindling but officials could not say when martial law would be lifted. Duterte has said the martial law declaration would not be lifted until the fighting in Marawi stops. Asked when he would lift martial law, Duterte said: “Hindi matatapos ang martial law hanggang hindi natatapos ang putukan (Martial law won’t be lifted until the fighting is over).”

Source: Philippine Star June 18, 2017 16:07 UTC