By Patricia Lourdes Viray
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Saturday expressed its gratitude to Congress for voting to extend the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
Voting 261-18, members of Congress approved the extension of the declaration until December 31 during a special joint session on Saturday.
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the extension of martial law is essential to overall peace and stability.
"The nation has chosen to stand united in defending the republic," Abella said in a statement.
Abella added that the government wants to stop the spread of the ideology of extremism that continues to persist due to the rebellion in Marawi City.
The Philippine government is also seeking to free the people of Mindanao from "the tyranny of lawlessness and violent extremism."
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