Noynoy sees Duterte basis for Mindanao martial law

Former president Benigno Aquino III sees basis for the martial law declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte over the entire Mindanao.

Aquino, in an exclusive interview on "24 Oras" on Wednesday, said it is the president who can fully determine the necessity of declaring military rule.

"Ako na, ang nakikita ko lang, lumalabas sa media, nababasa, may base ba? Siya ang makakasabi no'n, mukhang meron. Just on the fact na may mga armado, parang tinake-over 'yung ilang portions ng Marawi," Aquino said.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after the ISIS-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi City on May 23.

Petitioners questioned the declaration before the Supreme Court, saying that Duterte had no basis for declaring martial law over the whole island. But the SC voted to affirm the martial law declaration.

With the initial 60-day period for martial law mandated by Constitution set to end on July 22, Duterte has asked Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao until December 31.

Congress will discuss the extension in a joint session on Saturday. —Anna Felicia Bajo/JST, GMA News