The Legislative and Executive departments have already decided that the further extension of martial law in Mindanao is necessary to quell the remaining terrorists who brought destruction to Marawi and its neighboring communities. Congress has overwhelmingly approved by a 240-27 vote the further extension of the proclamation of martial law.

The legal and factual bases of the martial law extension have been clearly established based on the security assessment by our ground commanders.

We are thus prepared to defend our position before the High Court.

On the petitioners’ allegations that martial law may lead to “extension in perpetuity,” these are mere surmises and conjectures and not supported by law and the Constitution. Martial law in perpetuity is a scenario that neither the President, Congress or the Supreme Court will allow as it is patently unconstitutional.