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. 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. 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. (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. 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.
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."