Palace thanks Congress for approving third extension of martial law in Mindanao

(Eagle News) — The Palace on Wednesday, Dec. 12, thanked Congress for approving President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for a third extension of martial law in Mindanao.

“We thank our lawmakers for sharing the Executive’s view that the extension is purely intended for the general welfare and well being of the people of Mindanao,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement, calling the approval a “positive development.”

According to Panelo, “public safety demands decisive action from our President, whose primordial mandate is to protect and serve the people.”

“Further, it is our shared responsibility to ensure the integrity of our nation, the security of our people and the sustained growth and development of Mindanao,” he said.

With the extension–the third since President Duterte asked for the imposition of martial law after local terrorists overran Marawi in May 2017–Panelo said “we expect to achieve substantial progress in addressing the persisting rebellion in Mindanao, as well as promoting the overall security and peace and order situation in the island.”

“Rest assured that the fundamental rights and liberties of our citizens shall at all times be respected and that our uniformed services shall act strictly within the confines of their mandate,” Panelo added.

Earlier, Congress approved the extension President Duterte had asked for in a Dec. 6 letter to lawmakers, with 235 voting for such,  28 against and one abstaining.

https://youtu.be/fi-7wc9hFEY