Tag: martial law

Rights group opposes martial law declaration; says it will only result in gross violation of people’s rights

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) – A militant group declared its opposition to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration placing Mindanao under martial law for 60 days. “Karapatan strongly protests Duterte’s Martial Law declaration, emphasizing that it will not address the circumstances of the current situation in Marawi, but will aggravate the insecurity in the area,” the group in a statement said. Karapatan expressed apprehensions about the declaration of martial law, adding that it may give rise to human rights […]

Surigao del Sur lawmaker says declaration of martial law in Mindanao appropriate and timely

QUEZON City, Philippines – Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s act of placing Mindanao under martial law, saying that the declaration was appropriate and not an overreaction. “We fully support the proclamation of martial law in Mindanao. Ang Mindanao talaga, problema talaga ang peace and order situation. I think the proclamation is timely so that we can solve also other problems like criminality,” said Pimentel. Meanwhile, House Committee on Defense Chairman Ruffy Biazon […]

What the 1987 Philippine Constitution says about a martial law declaration

  (Eagle News) — When President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Maguindanao that would last for a period of 60 days, various sectors reacted on the subject that had touched a raw nerve for many former activists. Lawyer Christian Monsod, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, expressed apprehension on Duterte’s martial law declaration. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella announced the martial law declaration in Mindanao earlier, while the Philippine delegation was still in […]

Martial law in Mindanao: What we know

President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed martial law on the southern region of Mindanao to combat militants who have declared allegiance to the Islamic State group. Here is what we know about why he declared martial law and what happens next: What happened to trigger martial law?  Duterte acted after security forces on Tuesday battled dozens of gunmen in Marawi, a city of about 200,000 people. One policeman and two soldiers died in the fighting, authorities said. Tuesday’s […]

Davao Mayor Sara Duterte: City now in “hold and secure” situation

  (Eagle News) — “Hold and secure.” This was how Davao Mayor Sara Duterte described the current security situation in the city, which was under a lockdown on Tuesday night. Under a lockdown, no one was allowed inside and outside Davao City. “So inadjust na namin iyan ngayon. We are doing a hold and secure—increased security measures inside Davao City and going into Davao City considering there are incidents that are happening outside of Davao City. What we […]

A briefer on martial law

Below are facts you need to know about martial law. Q: When can martial law be declared? Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the President, the commander in chief of all armed forces of the Philippines, “may, for a period not exceeding 60 days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law” in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires […]

“No ISIS in PHL,” says PNP as gov’t forces contain Maute; tells public to be wary of terror group’s propaganda

(Eagle News) – The Philippine National Police said the situation in Marawi City is slowly dying down as government forces started slowly containing local terrorists, the Maute group, who are seeking recognition from the international Islamist State terror group ISIS. PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos also advised media and the public not to be an instrument for propaganda of the Maute group, which is seeking to promote themselves in social media. “Nag-aapila po kami […]

VP Robredo calls for “calm,” tells public to “be supportive” of government, amid threats from terrorists in Marawi

(Eagle News) — Vice President Leni Robredo called for calm on Wednesday, saying now was the time to “unite” in the face of terrorist threats in Mindanao. “Makakatulong tayo ng malaki sa mga sundalo kung kalmado lang tayo…Panahon ito na magkaisa tayo. Magtiwala tayo sa ating mga sundalo..,” she said in an ambush interview with reporters after her meeting with military officials in Camp Aguinaldo. She also asked the public to be “responsible,” noting that “a lot” of […]

Video: Duterte tells Filipinos,”don’t be too scared” after declaring martial law in Mindanao to deal with terrorists

(Eagle News) — In this video interview of President Rodrigo Duterte by blogger and now Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson, he tells fellow Filipinos to not be too scared, as he is coming home to Manila from Russia later today to deal harshly with the Maute terrorists who had sown fear in Marawi City. He said he had been forced to declare martial law in Mindanao because of these recent terrorist activities of the […]

Senators back President Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao

(Eagle News) — Several senators backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao, with one noting that the “despicable terrorists” must be held “accountable for their crimes against humanity.” In a statement, Senator Joel Villanueva said the declaration of martial law in the southern Philippines needed to be done due to the “gravity of this horrific incident.” “We condemn to the highest degree the recent attacks which transpired in Marawi City. As to […]

PHL needs modern firearms to fight ISIS, Duterte tells Putin

(Reuters) — President Rodrigo Duterte told Russian leader Vladimir Putin late Tuesday (May 23) that the Philippines needs modern arms to fight Islamic State and that he expected Russian support. Duterte also said he had to halt his visit to Moscow and return home as there was still fighting with militants there. The Maute group is touted to have links with ISIS. “I have to go home because I should be there at this time. […]

President Duterte declares martial law in Mindanao

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law Tuesday across Mindanao, after deadly clashes between security forces and Islamic State group-linked militants in a major city. The announcement, made by his spokesperson at a press conference in Moscow where Duterte was on an official visit, fulfills an often-repeated warning by the president that he would enforce military rule to quell security threats. Duterte placed the region, which makes up roughly one third of the country and is […]