MANILA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the martial law declared in the southern region of Mindanao, dismissing petitions seeking to challenge the declaration by President Rodrigo Duterte.
On May 23, Duterte declared martial law for 60 days on the island of Mindanao and nearby island provinces after extremists linked to Islamic State (IS) laid siege to Marawi City.
Philippine opposition lawmakers petitioned the High Court to review and nullify Duterte's decision, saying there was no revolution or invasion where public safety required the declaration of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. They said the proclamation contained "fatal inaccuracies and falsities."
Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te said the top court ruled to dismiss the petitions filed by the opposition lawmakers and two other groups.
"The court dismissed the petitions by a vote of 11 of its members, three members voted to partially grant the petitions and one member voted to grant the petitions. All 15 justices have submitted draft opinions whether concurring or dissenting. All these opinions will be finalized and submitted tomorrow (Wednesday)," Te told the media.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement that with the Supreme Court decision, the whole government now stands together as one against the common enemy.
"We ask the public to give their full support and cooperation to local authorities," Abella said
In a message to the troops on Tuesday, Duterte enjoined the operating troops "to carry on until our objective of wiping out these enemies and the people has been achieved."
"I urge you to remain steadfast and alert as martial law in Mindanao will remain in effect to counter the persistent threat of terrorism and insurgency," Duterte said.
Duterte added that the people of Marawi need the assistance of the troops as they rebuild their lives and homes once the military operations end.
"We must not let our guards down against the emergence of terrorism and banditry in the area," Duterte said.
Fighting continued to completely retake the besieged city, killing at least 462 people, including 337 terrorists, 39 civilians and 85 soldiers and policemen.
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Tuesday that the military has yet to clear about 1,500 houses and buildings in the city's central business district where most of the remaining 130 IS fighters are holed up.
