MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte will likely ask the Congress for a third extension of martial law in Mindanao following the recommendation of his police and military forces, a spokesman said Monday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Carlito Galvez said he would recommend to the President the extension of martial rule in the southern region for another year because of the "lurking" threat of terrorism.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Albayalde also told reporters on Monday that the organization's stance remains consistent: that martial law in Mindanao is still needed.

• Military chief to recommend martial law extension to Duterte

Duterte will "always evaluate whatever recommendations that the AFP and PNP will give him," but given the support martial law has received in Mindanao, "the President may be persuaded to grant to approve the recommendation,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a press briefing.

Panelo said that the safety of the people in Mindanao will be Duterte’s basis in making his decision.

"If the threat remains and there is still an ongoing rebellion, then constitutionally, the basis will be valid for continuation of martial law," he said.

Martial law in Mindanao is set to expire on December 2018 after the extensions granted by Congress.

Duterte first placed Mindanao under martial law in May 2017 after ISIS-inspired terrorists laid siege on Marawi City that lasted 5 months.

Panelo said the Constitution grants lawmakers the authority to decide whether or not to extend martial law, "so we leave it to them." - with a report from Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News