Philippines Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning Benito “Bong” Bengzon Jr. said on Thursday the department sees the recent extension of martial law in Mindanao as a “good sign.” He said that the department is confident that the extension will “further stabilize the situation” in Mindanao, The Phil Star reports. Martial law will remain there for another full year from January 1 to December 31, 2019 after Congress on Wednesday granted President Rodrigo Duterte’s request. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) says the government can quell any threats without the need to invoke the extraordinary powers of martial law.