President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, known for his off-color “sense of humor,” joked to soldiers after imposing martial law that they could rape three women and keep his support.

Duterte imposed martial law in his home region of Mindanao, a southern island home to 20 million people, to fight ISIS-affiliated militant groups who reportedly clashed with police.

“For this martial law and the consequences of martial law and the ramifications of martial law, I and I alone would be responsible. Just do your work. I will handle the rest,” he told soldiers on Friday.

“You can arrest any person, search any house.”

“I will go to jail for you. If you happen to have raped three women, I will own up to it.”

The details of the conflict in Mindanao are spotty. When he declared martial law on Tuesday, he cited the beheading of a police chief, a chief who was, in fact, not beheaded and is still alive.

He’s said since then that he is prepared to expand martial law across the country. “I will not allow the country to go to the dogs,” he said, according to the Washington Post.

His comments sparked condemnation from the Philippine Women’s Party, who issued a statement saying, “Rape is not a joke.”

Duterte styles himself as an everyman politician and is known for being crass. On the campaign trail, he “joked” that “the mayor should have been first” in the gang-rape and murder of an Australian missionary in 1989. He was, of course, referring to himself: he was the mayor. After the comment, his lead widened in the polls.

Since assuming the presidency last May, Duterte has waged a bloody war on drugs that has killed thousands.

President Donald Trump invited Duterte to the Oval Office, calling him a “good man.”</s>Duterte jokes he will 'go down' for rapes committed by soldiers under martial law on Mindanao island

Updated

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has sought to reassure soldiers who might be accused of committing abuses under martial law and jokingly said that if any of them were to rape three women, he would personally claim responsibility for it.

Key points: Duterte jokes he will take responsibility if troops commit multiple rapes

He has joked before about wishing he had participated in the gang rape of an Australian missionary

Human rights groups are worried his troops will commit abuses under marshal law

Mr Duterte is notorious for comments often deemed offensive and made the remark as a joke, reiterating that only he would be liable for any backlash over military rule on southern Mindanao island.

He has, however, said he would not tolerate abuses.

"If you go down, I go down. But for this martial law and the consequences of martial law and the ramifications of martial law, I and I alone would be responsible, just do your job I will take care of the rest," Mr Duterte said on Friday, according to a president's office transcript.

"I'll imprison you myself," he said, referring to any soldiers who commit violations, then he joked: "If you had raped three, I will admit it, that's on me."

Mr Duterte made the remark in a speech to soldiers on Mindanao island, where he imposed martial law on Tuesday to try to crush Islamic State-linked rebels, who have been battling the military after laying siege to a southern city.

It was not the first time Mr Duterte has made a joke about rape.

He caused outrage in the lead-up to his presidential election win last year when he recalled a 1989 prison riot in which an Australian missionary was killed, and inmates had lined up to rape her.

In what was intended as a joke, Mr Duterte said the victim was "beautiful" and as mayor of Davao city where the riot took place, he should have been first in line.

He later apologised and said he did not intend to disrespect women or rape victims.

Mr Duterte is known for his informal, no-nonsense style and his speeches are often loaded with profanity, threats and jokes about taboo subjects, which offend some, but are taken lightly by many Filipinos.

The President's spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Mr Duterte's latest remarks about rape.

Mr Duterte's pledge of support for troops comes as human rights groups and some lawmakers criticise his decision to declare martial law as excessive, and say it could lead to abuses by security forces.

He also joked that he would join soldiers in the fight against extremists if he could, but he had arthritis.

While urging rebels to disarm and hold talks, he said anyone not authorised to carry guns would be killed.

"My order to the troops is all people who are not authorised by Government to carry arms and they resist, kill them, wipe them out," he said.

Heavy firepower deployed as hunt for rebel leader narrows

Philippine armed forces helicopters fired guided rockets at Islamist militant positions on Saturday in an attempt to end the siege in Marawi.

The use for the first time of the heavy firepower came amid growing confidence that the location of the man believed to be the leader of the Islamic State-inspired fighters, Isnilon Hapilon, had been pinpointed in the city.

"We are trying to use our maximum force," said Major General Carlito Galvez, who heads the military command in the Western Mindanao region.

"The main purpose of the offensive is to suppress the lawlessness and to maintain normalcy in Marawi so that our people here, our countrymen, can return, especially by Ramadan."

Ramadan, Islam's month of fasting and prayer, began on Saturday and has special significance in Marawi, which has a predominantly Muslim population in a largely Catholic country.

The Maute rebels' hold of Marawi City and the Government's announcement that Indonesians and Malaysians were among the fighters has raised alarm about the prospect of Islamic State's radical ideology gaining traction in South-East Asia.

Reuters

Topics: unrest-conflict-and-war, world-politics, human, crime, philippines

First posted</s>Manila: Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has sought to reassure soldiers who might be accused of committing abuses under martial law and jokingly said that if any of them were to rape three women, he would personally claim responsibility for it.

Duterte is notorious for comments often deemed offensive and made the remark as a joke, reiterating that only he would be liable for any backlash over military rule on southern Mindanao island. He has, however, said he would not tolerate abuses.

"If you go down, I go down. But for this martial law and the consequences of martial law and the ramifications of martial law, I and I alone would be responsible, just do your job I will take care of the rest," Duterte said on Friday, according to a president's office transcript.

"I'll imprison you myself," he said, referring to any soldiers who commit violations, then he joked: "If you had raped three, I will admit it, that's on me."

Duterte made the remark in a speech to soldiers on Mindanao island, where he imposed martial law on Tuesday to try to crush Islamic State-linked rebels, who have been battling the military after laying siege to a southern city.

It was not the first time Duterte has made a joke about rape. He caused outrage in the lead-up to his presidential election win last year when he recalled a 1989 prison riot in which an Australian missionary was killed, and inmates had lined up to rape her.

In what was intended as a joke, Duterte said the victim was "beautiful" and as mayor of Davao city where the riot took place, he should have been first in line. He later apologised and said he did not intend to disrespect women or rape victims.

Duterte is known for his informal, no-nonsense style and his speeches are often loaded with profanity, threats and jokes about taboo subjects, which offend some, but are taken lightly by many Filipinos.

The president's spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Duterte's latest remarks about rape.

Duterte's pledge of support for troops comes as human rights groups and some lawmakers criticise his decision to declare martial law as excessive, and say it could lead to abuses by security forces.

He also joked that he would join soldiers in the fight against extremists if he could, but he had arthritis.

He urged rebels to disarm and hold talks and said anyone not authorised to carry guns would be killed.

"My order to the troops is all people who are not authorised by government to carry arms and they resist, kill them, wipe them out," he said.</s>Proclamation No. 216 also suspends the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – A copy of President Rodrigo Duterte's Proclamation No. 216 declaring martial law in Mindanao was released on Wednesday evening, May 24.

The proclamation, signed on Tuesday, May 23, while Duterte was in Russia for an official visit, also suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao.

"Habeas corpus" is a Latin phrase that means "that you have the body."

Through the writ of habeas corpus, a court can order the state to produce the physical body of a person detained. "In general, the purpose of the writ of habeas corpus is to determine whether or not a particular person is legally held," the Supreme Court (SC) said in a previous ruling.

"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," according to the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

"During the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, any person thus arrested or detained shall be judicially charged within three days, otherwise he shall be released."

Proclamation No. 216 cited as justification "the series of violent acts committed by the Maute terrorist group" last year as well as their attack on Marawi City on Tuesday. The clashes in the city have left at least 5 soldiers dead and forced thousands to flee.

"This recent attack [on Tuesday] shows the capability of the Maute group and other rebel groups to sow terror, and cause death and damage to property not only in Lanao del Sur but also in other parts of Mindanao," states the proclamation. (READ: FAST FACTS: What you should know about the Maute Group)

Below is a copy of the two-page Proclamation No. 216.

Duterte warned on Wednesday that he will be "harsh" in implementing martial law, which he said "will not be any different" from the military rule under dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Duterte also said he might expand martial law to include Luzon and the Visayas if the threat of the Islamic State (ISIS) persists. (READ: Maute Group waves ISIS black flag on Marawi streets)

If the President wants to extend martial law beyond the 60 days specified in the 1987 Constitution, he must get the approval of Congress.

Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution says that the President, as commander-in-chief, may "in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it" suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the country under martial law.

Crafted after the EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted Marcos in 1986, the 1987 Constitution highlights the role of other branches of government in the martial law declaration. The provisions are meant precisely to prevent grave abuse and stop another Marcos from tinkering with civil rights.

Congress may revoke the declaration of martial law, while the SC may review it following an "appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen." (READ: Martial Law 101: Things you should know) – Rappler.com</s>President Rodrigo Duterte will meet with Manila-based police officials and all Mindanao regional directors two days after he declared martial law in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte will meet with top police officials led by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa in Davao City on Thursday, May 25.Duterte, who declared martial law in Mindanao on Tuesday, May 23, will meet with Manila-based police officials and all Mindanao regional directors, according to sources privy to the scheduled meeting.

They are expected to discuss the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.



Flying in from Manila are PNP Deputy Chief of Operations Deputy Director General Ferdinand Mendez, Directorate for Operations chief Director Camilo Cascolan, Directorate for Intelligence chief Director Gregorio Pimentel, and Special Action Force chief Director Benjamin Lusad. 



The 6 regional police directions will also be at the meeting.

Duterte, while in Russia for an official visit, placed Mindanao under martial law following clashes between government forces and suspected members of the terrorist Maute Group in Marawi City. At least two policemen and 5 soldiers were in the clashes. 



On May 23, Marawi City residents posted photos of armed men littering the city and hoisting ISIS flags. That same night, at least 3 fires broke out in the city.

The alleged Maute Group members also set free prisoners in at least two jails in the city. 



The defense department has issued guidelines for the Armed Forces in the implementation of martial law. Written orders from Malacañang were only transmitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives Wednesday evening, May 24, or hours after Duterte arrived from Russia. 



Under the Constitution, martial law may only be imposed up to 60 days. If the President wants it extended, Congress – which is dominated by Duterte's allies – needs to approve it. The Supreme Court may also review the basis for the declaration if a case is filed before it. (READ: Martial Law 101: Things you should know)



Duterte cited the Maute Group clash in Marawi and previous encounters in Mindanao as basis for his declaration. (READ: Duterte says martial law due to ISIS threat)



The President is also set to meet have a Cabinet meeting in Davao City at 4 pm on Thursday. – Rappler.com</s>FORMER president Fidel Ramos came out against the Mindanao-wide martial law declared by President Rodrigo Duterte, as well as plans to extend it nationwide, warning against abuses under military rule.

Ramos told reporters the martial law declaration should have covered only a limited part of Mindanao, pointing out that it would affect a huge population – 28 million people – when the military pursuit of terrorists is in Marawi City, which has a population of only 200,000.

“That is what I’m really concerned about. Martial law all over Mindanao and its more than 28 million people may be proper in the eyes of the administration but there are enough peaceful areas there that do not need to be subjected to martial law,” Ramos said in a news conference in Makati City.

Ramos said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police were capable enough to address the situation.

“We have seen how efficient our armed forces have been like the elimination of the Abu Sayyaf-Maute group in Bohol only last month,” Ramos added.

The former leader insisted that the government take strong measures in addressing the crisis without abusing human rights.

“They have to limit the violence without any violation of human rights,” he said.

Ramos also called on Duterte’s officials to stop talking about the expansion of martial rule to the Visayas and other parts of the country, to avoid sowing panic.

“This has created on the part of a lot of our people especially those who do not live in Mindanao, and also those living in Mindanao, a sense of fear and foreboding,” he said.

“I’m not saying that the President panicky. I am saying that some members in his delegation are making panicky statements. If it’s true that he has said that martial law may be extended to the Visayas and nationwide, then that is being panicky,” Ramos added

Not the best person

But for Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejecrcito, Ramos is not the best person to advise Duterte on the Mindanao issue.

Ejercito pointed out that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other armed groups in Mindanao gained strength during the Ramos administration, adding that some of his officials were MILF members who used resources of the government to build rebel bunkers.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said it would help the administration to resolve the crisis immediately if people would just let the government do what needed to be done.

“It goes without saying that we should remain vigilant for possible abuses in the implementation of martial law,” Lacson said.

Robredo says no to nationwide martial law

Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo also thumbed down President Duterte’s threat to declare martial law nationwide, but called on the public to support the government’s offensive against the Maute group.

 “As it is, we don’t see any reason to extend martial law coverage to Visayas and Luzon. We are observing the martial law in Mindanao. We are looking forward to the guidelines of its implementation,” Robredo said.

“We won’t allow martial law to be an instrument of violence. We won’t allow it to pave the way towards that time when we have to fight a dictatorship. We don’t want it to happen again. But let me be clear that I support our President and the armed forces,” Robredo added.

The vice president was referring to the Martial Law regime of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos that left at least 70,000 victims of torture, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

“We need to be supportive of the administration because we are facing terrorism. This is not the time for division, but at the same time, we need to understand why a lot of people fear martial law,” Robredo said.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed confidence on Friday that the Armed Forces of the Philippines would uphold the human rights of Mindanao residents.

“Further, we have faith in the constitutional guarantees and respect for all civil liberties and urge the security forces to adhere to the DND (Department of National Defense) and the PNP (Philippine National Police) refresher on ‘Martial Law Do’s and Don’ts,’” CHR spokeswoman Jacqueline de Guia said in a text message to The Manila Times.</s>Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez says the 'isolated incident' that prompted the declaration of martial law in Mindanao will not counter the country's growth momentum

MOSCOW, Russia – The Philippines' trade and tourism chiefs sought to downplay concerns that the imposition of martial law in Mindanao would set back their sectors.

In a news conference here on Wednesday, May 24, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez called the continuing attacks of the Maute group in Marawi, Lanao del Sur, an "isolated incident" that won't stunt the country's economic growth.

He said he would give this assurance to Russian businessmen during the Philippines-Russia business forum he was to address that day.

"We want to project that what happened yesterday was really an isolated incident," he said.

"We want to project that the Philippines has this growth momentum; that that incident will not, in any way, counter the growth momentum we have," he added.

It was the "isolated" situation in Marawi that convinced President Rodrigo Duterte to make good on his threat to declare martial law in Mindanao. The Chief Executive volunteered in a news briefing upon his arrival in Manila on Wednesday that he might consider expanding martial rule nationwide if the terror threat persist.

The Maute group held a hospital and other establishments in Marawi, driving Marawi residents to flee to nearby provinces.(READ: Thousands flee Marawi to escape clashes)

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said her office will continue promoting Philippine tourism despite the martial law declaration. (READ: LOOK: Proclamation No. 216)

She expressed confidence that tourists would "still come" despite martial rule in Mindanao, even after Duterte himself confirmed that the threat of the terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) justified the declaration. (READ: Duterte says martial law due to ISIS threat)

"We will continue to promote the Philippines as a destination in spite of the martial law. I am confident tourists will still come to the country," she said.

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano expressed confidence that Duterte's martial law declaration will be short-lived, as the new Cabinet official counted on the military to deal with the problem swiftly.

"Of course the travel advisories will one way or another will [affect] us but they have pretty good intelligence which areas are safe," said the country's top diplomat.

"We're all praying it will be a short period and the President said as soon as the problem is solved, he will lift it," said Cayetano. – Rappler.com</s>MANILA, Philippines – Minority Senator Antonio Trillanes IV slammed President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao, saying the Chief Executive is aiming to put the entire country under military rule.

Trillanes said declaring martial law in the entire Mindanao is “baseless” and “not warranted,” as the conflict is only confined to Marawi in Lanao del Sur.

He added that Duterte did not even give the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) enough time to assess and act on the matter.

Citing information he received, Trillanes said the AFP also did not request such declaration from the President to fight the Maute terrorist group.

“In short, hindi warranted na mag-declare ng martial law sa buong Mindanao. Kung sakali man hihingin ito ng Armed Forces, which hindi naman hinihingi, ay dapat doon lang sa area of conflict,” Trillanes told reporters on Wednesday, May 24.

For the senator, Duterte's fiercest critic, the President was clearly planning to do it all along.

“Napansin ko lang sa pag-declare niya ay parang naging trigger-happy na kating-kati mag-declare na di man lang binigyan ng kaunting panahon ang Armed Forces to give an assessment, control situation bago nagdeclare,” he said.

Senators went on a closed-door caucus on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the matter. (READ: Martial law 101)

Other senators welcomed Duterte's decision while some questioned why the whole Mindanao has to be placed under martial law.

Trillanes, for his part, said he would convince his colleagues to limit the President, as Duterte is clearly testing the waters for a nationwide military rule.

“Yes, kasi sabi ko rito, 'pag bibigyan mo ng palugit ito si Duterte, ang susunod nito buong Pilipinas na. Sinasanay niya, kinokondisyon niya isipan ng mamamayan na martial law ay okay lang. Di 'yan – extreme option yan. [Ang] requisites nga niyan ay invasion or rebellion eh,” Trillanes said.

"I believe tinutulak nya ang boundaries at pasensya ng mamamayan at ng iba't ibang institusyon at sector kung hanggang saan kaya 'yung pagtulak ng kapangyarihan niya. Kung pagbigyan natin ito ngayon, malamang aabusuhin nya ito at buong bansa ang madedeclare na martial law," he added.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) issued the same warning, saying that if Duterte gets congressional support for his martial law declaration in Mindanao, he would be “emboldened” to take it nationwide.

"If Duterte succeeds in securing congressional support for martial law in Mindanao, he will surely be emboldened to impose martial law on the entire country. He can easily come up with more pretexts such as 'fighting criminality' and so on," the CPP said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The imposition of martial law in Mindanao is part actualization of Duterte's declared plans to establish himself as a strongman. His resort to such draconian measures, however, are evidence of the increasingly weak and fractious ruling state and the worsening crisis of the entire ruling system. It has a much wider target and purpose," it added.

The CPP said Duterte even declared that his brand of martial law would be same as that of Marcos, "foreboding the worst kinds of human rights violations and fascist attacks against the people."

"In doing so, Duterte has practically ordered the AFP soldiers to impose its rule and carry out more abuses with extreme impunity. The Filipino people will hold him directly responsible for all the abuses perpetrated by the military and police under his martial rule," it said.

Duterte has repeatedly threatened to declare martial law since he took office in June 30. He has also threatened to shut down Congress. (READ: Duterte says his martial law to be similar to Marcos time)

The 1987 Constitution says the imposition of martial law should not exceed 60 days, and that Congress has the power to either revoke or extend it.

Crafted after the EDSA People Power revolution that ousted the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, the 1987 Constitution highlights the role of other branches of government in the martial law declaration. The provisions are meant precisely to prevent grave abuse and stop another Marcos from tinkering with civil rights.

Within 48 hours after its declaration, the President shall submit a report “in person or in writing” to Congress. The declaration can also be revoked by a vote by Congress. The Supreme Court may review the basis of its declaration.

Duterte is the 3rd Philippine president to declare martial law post-World War II, after Marcos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who declared martial law in Maguindanao in 2009 after the Maguindanao massacre. – Rappler.com</s>“We fear for the effects of war on the civilian population.”

MANILA – Various progressive groups raised the alarm on President Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao last night, saying this will only worsen the crisis situation in Marawi City where armed groups were reported to have holed up. The group had reportedly burned a Catholic school and taken a priest and several other civilians hostage.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared the whole of Mindanao island under martial law on Tuesday night, May 23, following clashes between government and reported members of the Maute group in Marawi City. Duterte, who was in Russia, cut his state visit short to return to Manila this afternoon.

Progressives said the military solution will not solve the conflict but only aggravate it.

“We fear for the lives of the civilians who might get caught in the crossfire. We fear for the effects of war on the civilian population,” said Jerome Succor Aba, national president of the progressive Moro group Suara Bangsamoro. Aba said Duterte should learn from the disastrous aftermath of the “Zamboanga Siege” in 2013, where homes and properties were destroyed and hundreds of civilians were arrested and displaced by military operations targeting members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The Moro group had earlier called on the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), as well as religious groups, to talk to the Maute group to diffuse the tension.

The Duterte administration is set to resume talks with MILF and MNLF. The Maute group is reportedly comprised of Moro leaders who were dissatisfied with the peace talks between government and the MILF.

Human rights group Karapatan called martial law as “uncalled-for response,” as they also slammed Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who said in a press conference that martial law was declared in Mindanao because of unrest in areas such as in Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, Central Mindanao, and added the “pango-ngotong” (extortion) by the members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“The DND chief, consistent with his warmongering, has laid the predicate for full blown rights violations, akin to the convoluted justifications of Marcos’ Martial Law,” said Karapatan secretary general Tinay Palabay. “Martial law is not the answer; it will never result to anything but gross violations of people’s rights,” she said.

Palabay said martial law will inevitably result in intensified military operations, aerial strikes, and “an open season for extrajudicial killings, illegal arrests, torture and other forms of rights violations.”

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) said Duterte’s pronouncement that the martial law in Mindanao will be like the martial law during the Marcos era “is a dangerous edict.”

NUPL secretary general Ephraim Cortez said martial law should be the last resort and should be strictly within the bounds, requirements, and limitations of the Constitution.

“Placing the entire Mindanao under martial law will open the flood gates for unbridled human rights violations and abuses,” he said.

“In the end, it is the civilian population who will be greatly affected. It gives blanket power and authority to conduct military crackdowns and operations that would result in the further diminution of the people’s constitutional rights,” Cortez added.

Meanwhile, ACT Teachers Party Rep. Antonio Tinio urged Duterte to instead pursue the talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Bangsamoro.

“I hope that Duterte will heed the lessons of our history, reconsider, and immediately recall his declaration of martial law,” he said in a statement.

Tinio said that armed conflict in Mindanao and the rest of the country “is rooted in the historic exploitation and oppression of the poor and marginalized – the landless and jobless peasants, the Moro and the Lumad.”

He said a military solution will not end these problems, which need genuine socio-economic and political reforms based on social justice, such as those being discussed in the GRP-NDFP peace talks.

“Twenty years of martial rule under Marcos did not lead to peace but to the intensification of popular resistance and the ousting of the dictator,” he added.</s>Martial rule will help address Mindanao's peace and order problems, say lawmakers from the region

MANILA, Philippines – Mindanao lawmakers led by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said Wednesday, May 24. that the declaration of martial law in Mindanao is justifiable, given the other security problems faced by the region.

The lawmakers were asked to comment on President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to declare martial law in Mindanao after clashes between the the military clashed and the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City.

Alvarez, who is Davao del Norte 1st District Representative, said Duterte made the right decision.

Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel shared the same sentiment. He said martial law will help address his province’s longstanding "insurgency problem."

“We fully support the proclamation of martial law in Mindanao. Ang Mindanao talaga, problema talaga ang peace and order situation (The peace and order situation is really a problem in Mindanao)….I think the proclamation is timely so that we can solve also other problems like criminality,” said Pimentel.

Davao City 1st District Representative Karlo Nograles, who called the crisis in Marawi as a “clear case of rebellion," said martial rule will help confine the fighting.

“This is a clear case of rebellion, and to preserve public safety in Mindanao and ensure that the clashes do not spill over to other parts of the island and the Philippines, President Duterte was correct in placing Mindanao under martial law,” said Nograles.

On Tuesday afternoon, the military launched a surgical strike in Barangay Basak Malutlut, Marawi City, against "high value targets" belonging to the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Maute Group, after receiving reports from the community about the presence of up to 15 suspicious armed men in the village.

The situation worsened a few hours later as fires broke out, power was cut, and the clashes between the military and the rebels continued. (READ: TIMELINE: Marawi clashes prompt martial law in all of Mindanao)

At 10 pm, Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao from Moscow, Russia, where he was on an official trip. He was due back in Manila late Wendnesday afternoon after cutting short his trip. (READ: Duterte says his martial law to be similar to Marcos time)

The 1987 Constitution allows the President to declare martial law to “prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion.” Duterte must submit a report, in person or in writing, to Congress within 48 hours after the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.

Congress, voting jointly and by a vote of a majority of its members, may revoke or extend the President’s declaration “if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.”

Alvarez and Nograles noted that the 1987 Constitution has safeguards against abuse in relation to martial law.

“May mga safeguards sa ating Constitution. At in fact, ‘pag binasa 'nyo ‘yong provision, kahit may martial law, hindi ibig sabihin ay suspended ‘yong mga korte natin. Nagfa-function pa rin ‘yon,” said Alvarez.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno already ordered all courts in Mindanao to remain open.

Nograles added: “We appeal to the people to stay calm because democracy and our way of life will continue. The Constitution provides for the necessary safeguards.”

Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas already urged legislators to stay in Manila pending Duterte’s arrival from Russia. – Rappler.com
President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte tells soldiers fighting in Mindanao, where he proclaimed martial law earlier this week, that he will accept responsibility for abuses they commit, and jokes that "[i]f you had raped three, I will admit it, that's on me."