Manila: The armed forces should justify its request to extend martial law in Mindanao, Senators have said, as the government continues operations to rid a southern Philippines island of extremists.

“Let us decide on the basis of the evidence,” Senator Franklin Drilon said as he referred to a request by the armed forces to extend the state of martial law declared by President Rodrigo Duterte over Mindanao Island.

Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law on May 23, in response to attacks carried out in Marawi City by Daesh-inspired militants, including the Abu Sayyaf and the clan-based Maute militants.

The declaration, which suspends rights of individuals against warrantless arrest, among others, was necessary to curb the spreading influence of violent extremism in the south.

Several months into the offensive, government declared in October that they had neutralised heads of the Abu Sayyaf including Isnilon Hapilon as well as brothers Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute.

But while the principal leaders were killed by government forces, the threat from extremists and other political groups such the communist New Peoples’ Army, in Mindanao, remains.

“They said the problem has already been addressed, but now they’re asking for an extension,” Drilon said.

“We will ask them what is their basis for extending martial law,” he added.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the President can declare Martial Law for up to 60 days, upon expiration of which, he has to seek Congress approval for an extension.

An extension of martial law in Mindanao would only create fear among Mindanaoans most especially the people of Marawi, who are struggling to bring their lives back to normal, he said.

Drilon had been among the four senators who voted against the extension or martial law last July.

The others who took the same position as Drilon were Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan who all belong to the Liberal Party.

Drilon cited that under the Constitution, it is Congress which has the sole authority to approve any extension of martial law.

Aside from threats from violent extremists, government forces had been contending with continued attacks from the communist NPA in Mindanao.

Last November 9 an ambush by insurgents in Bukidnon killed two persons — a four month hold infant Machorao Malysha and a policeman identified as Senior Police Officer 3 Arnel Carillo.

The infant aboard a vehicle passing by the area when the insurgents sprang their ambush Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

The NPA, which is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, had been fighting to establish a government that is free from foreign intervention for nearly five decades.