Philippine president warns of new terror plots in south

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday convened an urgent meeting with lawmakers at the presidential palace to discuss new terror plots in Mindanao.

“They have discovered new plans of terrorists in other areas of Mindanao. He wants (to keep) us posted on developments,” Senator Vicente Sotto III was quoted as saying by Philippine-based online news portal Rappler.

Sotto said Wednesday at least three areas in Mindanao are “under threat” of new terror attacks.

In July, he and other lawmakers supported the extension of military rule in Mindanao until the end of the year to give the president more time to tackle Daesh-linked terrorists.

Duterte also gave legislators updates on the implementation of martial law and the Marawi crisis.

The island of Mindanao was placed under martial law for 60 days beginning May 23 following a siege by the Daesh-linked Maute group in Marawi.

An extension of military rule until Dec. 31 was granted by lawmakers July 22, as the order was set to expire.