The Congress of the Philippines approved the third extension of martial law in the country's southern region of Mindanao, citing the persisting rebellion in the province, media reported on Wednesday.
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 12th December, 2018) The Congress of the Philippines approved the third extension of martial law in the country's southern region of Mindanao, citing the persisting rebellion in the province, media reported on Wednesday.
Last week, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte asked the Congress to prolong martial law after being advised to do so by the country's Armed Forces and the National Police.
In the final joint session vote, 235 senators and members of the Philippine House of Representatives voted in favor of the extension, while 28 were against and one abstained, according to the CNN Philippines broadcaster.
Martial law will remain in Mindanao for another year from January 1, 2019, to December 31, the broadcaster reported.
Duterte declared martial law in the region on May 23 last year after militants from the Maute group attacked the city of Marawi, located on the island of Mindanao, which resulted in numerous casualties.
