A MALACAÑANG official defended Saturday President Rodrigo Duterte's bid to extend martial law in Mindanao until December 31 this year, after Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon questioned its length of effectivity, way beyond the 60 days provided under the Constitution.
During interpellation with Drilon, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said that it will be "more practical" for them to seek a longer extension to give them ample time to quell the rebellion.
"I think it would be better if we ask for a longer period than for shorter period and then we cannot deliver a promise then ask again for an extension which can no longer be done, I think it's more practical to ask for an extension now until December," Medialdea said.
Medialdea likewise said that the Maute group, which started to sow terror in Marawi city on May 23, proved themselves to be a hard enemy to beat.
"It's not an easy task to be running against rebels hiding in houses, in mosque, hiding under the ground. And it will take another six months to neutralize this [Maute group] notwithstanding that we have already eliminated more than one half," the Executive Secretary said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, for his part, said that the longer martial law will aid the military in fighting rebels in Basilan, Jolo Sulu, and Maguindanao.
The interpellation between lawmakers and executive officials is ongoing.
The 60-day martial law period will expire July 22 at 10 p.m.
Under the Constitution, the Congress, voting jointly, has the sole power to extend the martial law. (SunStar Philippines)