Philippine Congress approves extension of martial law in south for year

A joint session of the Philippine Congress on Wednesday approved a one-year extension of martial law on the southern island of Mindanao. The move backs efforts by President Rodrigo Duterte to tackle Muslim extremists. Security officials had earlier said militants loyal to Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) were regrouping and recruiting young fighters to launch attacks in the region of 22 million people, home to the country’s Muslim minority, Reuters said. Opponents said one year was excessive and the measure did not satisfy a constitutional requirement for a rebellion to be taking place.