President Rodrigo Duterte is seeking to extend martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2017 or until the end of this year.
This was announced by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella during the press briefing at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang before noon on Tuesday.
Abella said, this translates to a period of 161 days.
The plea is contained in the 7-page formal request letter sent by the President to Senate and Congress.
In the letter, the President is asking both houses of Congress to hold a joint special session on Saturday (July 22) to approve the extension of martial law.
The Commander in Chief cites "looming threat" in the security situation in Mindanao as the reason for the request.
Prior to this announcement, it was reported that the President would only seek a 60-day extension.
Abella noted the President knows that it is up to Congress to set the period for the effectivity of martial law, following the 1987 Constitution.
The request for 161 days is a recommendation and the President is leaving it up to lawmakers to make the decision.
Duterte had imposed martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017.
This declaration, effective for 60 days, is due to expire on Saturday, July 22.
