MANILA, Philippines — The extension of martial law in Mindanao for another year is a “positive development,” Malacañang said Wednesday. ADVERTISEMENT“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 added. For the third time, both houses of Congress approved on Wednesday President Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao for another year to continue the government’s thrust against terrorism. With a final total vote of 235 for an extension, 28 against and one abstention, Congress voted to extend martial rule in the South until Dec. 31, 2019.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 12, 2018 06:11 UTC