MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday clarified that the extension of martial law in Mindanao would be the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte. This follows the remarks of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that he will push for an extension of the martial law declaration until 2022. Alvarez, however, has clarified that his comment to extend the declaration for up to five years is his personal opinion. Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1Duterte earlier hinted that he might seek an extension of martial law as government forces continue to battle the ISIS-inspired local terror group in Marawi. RELATED: Congress seen to back martial law extension

Source: Philippine Star July 10, 2017 03:22 UTC