(Updated, 12:51 p.m.) President Rodrigo Duterte wants the extension of martial law in Mindanao until the end of the year, his spokesman said Tuesday. Duterte, in a letter to Congress, said the “existing rebellion” in Mindanao would not end on July 22, the 60th day in the limit prescribed by the Constitution. Duterte last week said he would not lift martial law before his second State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 24. READ: Duterte says he won’t lift martial law before SonaThe President met with lawmakers on Monday night in Malacañang to express his intent to extend his martial law decree. For donation from overseas:Inquirer Foundation Corp account:Inquirer Foundation Corp. Banco De Oro (BDO) Current Account No: 007960018860Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 18, 2017 04:21 UTC