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SC holds ‘internal discussions’ with AFP, DND execs on martial law in Mindanao


Supreme Court (SC) justices on Thursday are holding a closed-door session with top security officials in connection with the petitions seeking to nullify President Rodrigo Duterte's imposition of martial law in Mindanao.

Among those present in the meeting are Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año, Solicitor General Jose Calida and counsels for the petitioners.

According to SC spokesperson Theodore Te, the "internal discussions" started past 10 a.m. and will resume at 2 p.m. after the lunch break.

 


 

Lorenzana and Año had been called in to give further explanation on the government's decision to declare martial law, citing rebellion as reason.

The SC is looking into the issue whether there is sufficient factual basis for the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, which petitioners have contested, claiming there was no ground for the imposition.

Martial law opponents even pointed out that terrorism does not constitute rebellion, noting the attacks on Marawi City stemmed from an armed resistance by the Maute group to shield Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS emir for Southeast Asia Isnilon Hapilon from an impending arrest.

The government said martial law was necessary to quell rebellion since ISIS-inspired local rebel groups have taken arms against the Philippine government to remove Mindanao from the republic and to deprive Duterte of his powers and prerogatives. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News

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