#ThewRap: Videos to watch this week, July 17-23, 2017

Dear Rappler reader,  

Congress votes to extend martial law in Mindanao to 5 months. Former Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) member Samira Gutoc-Tomawis makes an emotional appeal before Congress, recounting alleged human rights abuses by the military. As lawmakers in Manila vote on the extension of martial law, the military in Marawi is busy pounding the enemy. And in an interview with Rappler, former President Benigno Aquino III asks why there’s a “defeaning silence” from media under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. 

Below are the big stories we think you shouldn’t miss.   

Congress extends martial law in Mindanao until December 31

The voting results were this: 261 voted in the affirmative and 18 negative. It is not surprising, as President Duterte counts majority of lawmakers as allies. Mara Cepeda files this report.

Marawi resident makes emotional plea vs martial law abuses

Samira Gutoc-Tomawis recounts stories of violent interrogations, unburied bodies, and Muslim women being forced to undress in inspections by the military.

‘Use martial law to fast-track return of Marawi evacuees’

We must not continue to relegate the sufferings of our IDPs as mere secondary concern only next to our security efforts,’ the Provincial Crisis Management Committee says in a statement after Congress extends martial law in Mindanao.

Duterte finally visits Marawi

President Rodrigo Duterte finally visits the war-torn city on the 9th week of clashes between government troops and local terrorists.

Aquino cites ‘deafening’ silence of media under Duterte

Former president Benigno Aquino III says, “Why is it that media during our watch complained about the flimsiest and tiniest things and it seems to be a little quiet these days?”  – Rappler.com