Mindanao Philippines - Under Martial Law: President Rodrigo Duterte

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Reuters

The Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared Martial Law in the entire island of Mindanao late Tuesday night, due to terror attack in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur by the Maute Group.

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, a president is allowed to declare Martial Law in cases of "invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it". Pres. Duterte declared a 60 day Martial Law in Mindanao.

Article VII Section 18. The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.

The suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall apply only to persons judicially charged for rebellion or offenses inherent in, or directly connected with, invasion.

President Duterte's arrived in the Philippines today - Wednesday after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and cut short his official visit. Pres. Duterte told Putin that he is counting on Russia to supply weapons for the fight against terrorism in the Philippines as he cozies up with non-traditional ally Moscow and veers away from longtime partner the United States.

"I declared Martial Law to protect the Filipino People" - Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.

UPDATE:
Pres. Duterte also said that he might extend army rule to Visayas. He also announced that he had ordered the Philippine Navy to set a blockade in the waters between Mindanao and Visayas.