"I call upon the Congress to extend until 31st of December 2017 or for such a period of time as Congress may determine the proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao," Abella said as quoted by the Daily Manila Shimbun newspaper.
The Philippine leader explained in a letter that he had made the decision to request the prolongation of the martial law because the ongoing "rebellion" in Mindanao would not be quelled completely by July 22, when the 60-day martial-law period expired, as well as for public safety reasons.
"The primary objective of the possible extension is to allow our forces to continue with their operation unhampered by deadlines and to focus more on the liberation of Marawi and its rehabilitation and rebuilding," Duterte said.
Abella noted that the president made his decision "thorough personal assessment of the current situation in Marawi City and other parts of Mindanao," as well as taking into account the recommendations of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, as martial law administrator, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Ano, as martial law implementor, and Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.
The martial law was declared on the island in May after the beginning of the conflict between the Philippine security forces and the Islamic extremists affiliated with Daesh (outlawed in Russia), including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf jihadist groups.
