Philippines’ Duterte seeks extension of martial law in restive Mindanao island
Manila — Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has asked congress to extend martial law in the southern island of Mindanao until the end of the year to crush rebels inspired by the Islamic State militant group, his spokesman said on Tuesday. Mindanao, an island of 22-million people with a history of separatist and Marxist rebellion, was placed under military rule on May 23 after rebels from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups took over parts of Marawi City. The insurgents have put up fierce resistance, with scores of fighters still holed up in Marawi’s commercial heart, enduring seven weeks of ground offensives, air strikes and artillery bombardments to prolong a crisis that has killed more than 500 people and displaced at least 260,000. "The primary objective of the possible extension is to allow our forces to continue with their operations unhampered by deadlines, and to focus more on the liberation of Marawi and its rehabilitation and rebuilding," presidential spokesman Ernesto Abell...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.