Executive dep’t execs to brief solons on Mindanao martial law extension

Members of both the majority and minority blocs of the House of Representatives will meet in a caucus on Tuesday for a briefing by the executive department on the extension of martial law in Mindanao.

A notice shared by Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas with reporters stated that the caucus will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Makalintal Hall of the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

Farinas said those who will brief the lawmakers include Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and officer-in-charge of the Department of Interior and Local Government Catalino Cuy.

The briefing for House members comes after President Rodrigo Duterte sent a letter to Congress asking that martial law in Mindanao be extended for one year.

Senate and House members will convene in a joint session on Wednesday to deliberate on Duterte's request.

The briefing at the Senate, meanwhile, will also be held on Tuesday, at 10 a.m.

Duterte imposed martial law on Mindanao on May 23, the day conflict sparked in Marawi City between the terrorist Maute group and government forces. Originally set to lapse 60 days later on July 22, it was extended until the end of the year.   — BM, GMA News