AdvocatesTV • April 24, 2020
Duterte threatens to declare martial law; cites NPA lawlessness
Photo Credit: Presidential Photographers/PCOO
President Rodrigo Duterte threatened the New People’s Army (NPA) on Friday, April 24, that he might declare martial law if it will continue with its lawlessness amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Duterte said he is putting notice to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be ready when he declares martial law.
“’Pag nag-patuloy kayo [NPA] ng lawlessness n’yo, patay dito, patay doon and it’s happening all over the Philippines, maybe, I will declare martial law. Kayong mga NPA numero uno kayo,” Duterte said on Friday morning.
“Kinukuha ninyo ang mga tulong sa tao pati yung supply at tulong nila, kaya I am now warning everybody and putting notice sa armed forces pati police, I might declare martial law and there will be no turning back,” he added.
Duterte’s statement came after suspected members of the NPA killed three soldiers in Negros Occidental last Sunday and two other soldiers helping distribute cash aid to residents in Aurora province on Wednesday.
The NPA is also suspected of blocking aid intended for Samar last week.
“Tapusin na natin ito sa panahon ko. I have two more years – I will try to finish all of you. Pati kayong mga legal (fronts) magtago na kayo. ” he added.
Duterte emphasized that he has no intention of declaring martial law but that the NPA’s actions are compelling him to do so.
Under the constitution, Duterte can only declare martial law in case of invasion, rebellion or when public safety requires it.
