TERROR threats in besieged Mindanao might exacerbate if martial law is lifted in Davao City as requested by the City Council, Malacañang said on Thursday, August 8.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the statement after the Davao City Council approved on Tuesday, August 6, a resolution asking President Rodrigo Duterte to lift martial law in the city.

"Ang problema doon sa ganoon, kasi when you declare martial law, kailangan 'yung buong lugar dahil kung you are trying to suppress violence or rebellion e baka lilipat lang yon doon sa kabila [kapag na-lift ang martial law sa Davao City]," the Palace official said in a Palace press briefing.

(The problem there is when you declare martial law, it should be implemented in the entire area. Violence or rebellion might just shift to other areas.)

"Eh 'di ganoon pa rin 'yun. Baka may problema ka rin doon (It will be the same. You will still have a problem)," he added.

Duterte placed the entire island of Mindanao under martial rule on May 23, 2017, several hours after Islamic State-inspired Maute extremists laid siege to Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province.

Martial law in Mindanao has been thrice extended and will expire on December 31, 2019.

The Davao City Council approved the resolution seeking the lifting of martial law in the city after Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio noted the possible negative impact of the declaration on the city's business, trade and investments.

Panelo said he would talk to Duterte about the Davao City Council's proposal.

"I will ask him first on the position on this particular resolution from Davao City," he said.

"Kala ko ba 'yung mga negosyante doon sa Mindanao gusto nila yon dahil okay sa negosyo nila? Eh siguro there will be a study on that (I thought businessmen in Mindanao want martial law because it is good for their business. Perhaps, there will be a study on that)," Panelo added. (SunStar Philippines)