Senators are currently listening to a security briefing at the Senate building in Pasay City.
The presentations are being held in a closed-door set up inside the Senators’ Lounge.
It started at 9 am.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Eduardo Año and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon are taking turns disclosing to lawmakers vital information on the ongoing battle between government troops and the Maute group in Marawi City.
The overall security situation in Mindanao is also being tackled.
The security briefing will form part of basis to be used by the senators in deciding whether or not to approve the request of President Rodrigo Duterte for an extension of martial law in Mindanao.
The Chief Executive wants to retain martial law in the south until the end of this year.
Senators will attend a joint special session of Congress on Saturday to vote on the President’s plea for extension.
The President had previously told the senator that terrorist activities may spread to Zamboanga City and Jolo, Sulu.
