Palace: Duterte won’t lift martial law despite deaths of Isnilon, Omar, Dr. Mahmud

President Rodrigo Duterte will not yet lift martial law in Mindanao, even after terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon, Omar Maute, and Malaysian Dr. Mahmud Ahmad had been killed in Marawi City.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella during the Mindanao Hour on Friday said military rule was still needed in southern Philippines due to the "remnants" of supporters of the armed extremist groups.

“The death of the ringleaders of the Marawi rebellion which include Omar Maute, Isnilon Hapilon, and Dr. Mahmud Ahmad does not automatically result in the lifting of martial law,” he said.

“There are remnants including networks supporting the Maute cause within Mindanao. The President is duty-bound not to compromise public safety,” he said.

Abella said Duterte would also meet with his security cluster to discuss what actions to be taken next following the death of the three terrorist leaders.

Among those Duterte would be meeting with are Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the designated martial law administrator, and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Año, the designated martial law implementor.

Duterte on Thursday night said that the martial law in Mindanao would not be lifted until the last terrorist is taken out.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after the ISIS-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi City on May 22.

Congress granted his request that martial law be extended until December 31. — MDM, GMA News