Philippine Supreme Court upholds Duterte’s martial law in south
The Philippine Supreme Court on July 4 upheld the martial law declared by President Rodrigo Duterte in the southern region, while the country has been fighting against militants.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: EPA/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The Philippine Supreme Court on July 4 upheld the martial lawdeclared by President Rodrigo Duterte in the southern region, while the countryhas been fighting against militants who have links to the self-claimed IslamicState (IS).
Speakingwith reporters, Theodore Te, spokesman of the Philippine Supreme Court said amajority of the judges ruled to dismiss the petitions of the oppositionlawmakers, without citing a specific reason.
Thestatement was made after opposition lawmakers petitioned the court to reviewand nullify President Duterte’s decision.
OnMay 23, Duterte declared martial law for 60 days in Marawi city on Mindanaoisland after IS-linked extremists besieged some areas of the city and causedongoing violence.
Todate, more than 460 people were killed in Marawi clashes, including 300militants, dozens of soldiers and civilians. Besides, nearly 40,000 people hadto leave their houses in Marawi and neighbouring areas for evacuation.
AfterPresident Duterte made an announcement to likely continue the martial law for60 days more, Philippine Secretary of Defence Delfin Lorenzana on July 3 saidthe country’s security agencies have been evaluated the situation in Mindanaoto make the final decision.
TheGovernment will support people to rebuild areas which were destroyed by blastsand air raids, including residential houses, malls, and banks, Lorenzana added.-VNA
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on June 11 that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS), ordered the siege in Marawi city on Mindanao island.
A top military general of the Philippines said on June 13 that Islamic militants are controlling 20 percent of the southern city of Marawi in Mindanao island.
People who ran away from their houses due to fights between military and Islamic gunmen in Marawi on Mindanao island in the south of the Philippines have become vulnerable to epidemics and mental shocks.
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on July 3 that Philippine security authorities need more time to consider whether or not to lift the martial law on Mindanao island.
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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: EPA/VNA) 
