Duterte thanks Congress for 1-year extension of Mindanao martial law

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday thanked Congress after it approved his request to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2018.

"I would like to thank Congress for understanding the plight of Filipinos... Mahirapan talaga ako pag walang martial law sa Mindanao," he said at the ceremonial demilitarization of enemy weapons confiscated during the Marawi City siege.

Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23 after pro-ISIS Maute group attacked Marawi City. The Congress then approved his first request for an extension in July when the 60-day martial law period lapsed. — BM, GMA News