Philippines Prez Rodrigo Duterte says 'no martial law in Negros Island'

The President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte has announced that there will be no martial law in Negros Island, according to media reports. The presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday that martial law is not an option for Negros Island at the moment. Going by the media reports the President has ruled out the martial law for any part of the country except Mindanao as it allegedly needs it to quell the rebellion.

Martial law has been in place in the island region of Mindanao since May 2017, following the attack on Marawi by local and international terrorists. It will be in effect there until yearend, although National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon plans to recommend its extension until December 31, 2020.

The Constitution states that the President as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces may place the entire country or any part of it under martial law "in case of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it." The declaration lasts for 60 days, but in the case of Mindanao, Congress has granted all three requests for an extension as Duterte stressed the need for martial law to address the rebellion in Mindanao.