Duterte Declares Martial Law in Mindanao

May 23, 10 p.m., Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao island amid the ongoing clashes between the Maute group terrorists and the government troops in Marawi City.

According to Ernesto Abella, presidential spokesperson, the declaration of Martial Law in the area will last for 60 days as stated in the Constitution.

“This is on the grounds of resistance and rebellion based on what is happening,” Abella said. “What the President has done is only for Mindanao including Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi,” he added.

The meeting of President Duterte with the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was postponed for he has to leave Russia earlier.

However, Putin met Duterte later Tuesday, rather than Thursday.

“They understand that the President has to return to the Philippines. I will stay behind to sign agreements. The President feels he is needed in Manila ASAP,” Cayetano said.

President Duterte gave his statement regarding his declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.

“Martial law is martial law ha. So kayong mga kababayan ko, you have experienced martial law, it would not be any different from what President Marcos did. I’ll be harsh,” Duterte said, from a live video by Assistant Communications Secretary Mocha Uson on Wednesday morning (Manila Time).

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