MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he is more than ready to go to the Supreme Court (SC) to explain the need to extend martial law in Mindanao for another year.
This is in response to the Makabayan Bloc's filing of its second petition at the SC questioning the legality of the third extension of martial law on the island.
The group, in its 39-page petition, said the government failed to prove that public safety required the martial law extension.
"We will go to the SC and defend the extension. We shall be assisted by the SolGen (Solicitor General) We will prove that the reasons for declaring martial law still exist," Lorenzana said in a message to reporters Wednesday night.
In a 235-28-1 vote, Congress, in a joint session on Dec. 12, 2018, approved the extension of martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2019.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recommended another year-long extension of martial law in Mindanao, in a bid to totally neutralize terror groups still operating on the island.
Malacañang, earlier, said depended on the recommendation of the AFP on whether martial law will be extended after the end of the year.
Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the Maute Group in Marawi City.
The House of Representatives, in a special joint session in July last year, granted the extension of martial law until Dec. 31, 2017 at the President's request.
The Senate and House of Representatives, convening in a joint session early December, granted the Chief Executive's request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from January 1 to December 31, 2018. (PNA)
