Philippines’ Duterte seeks martial law extension for south to contain Daesh supporters

Duterte said extending martial law was necessary in the southern region of Mindanao. (File photo: Reuters)

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte asked Congress on Monday to extend martial law across the southern third of the country until the end of next year.
In a letter to lawmakers released by his office, Duterte said extending martial law was necessary in the southern region of Mindanao to contain an ongoing rebellion by Daesh supporters as well as a rising threat from communist guerrillas.