Mindanao, yes, but entire PH? Duterte floats idea

Local government and some business leaders in Cebu support President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao, amid a clash between government forces and terrorists in the Maute Group.

President Duterte, however, said he may expand the declaration to cover the Visayas, which he described as within “walking distance” from Mindanao and a potential destination for fugitives from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

He arrived yesterday afternoon from Russia and promptly assured citizens they have nothing to worry about if they are law-abiding.

Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, Police Regional Office 7 director, assured that the conflict in Marawi won’t spill over to the Visayas, appealed to the public to stay calm, and placed Central Visayas police under full alert.

Cebu Business Club President Gordon Alan Joseph said that declaring martial law in Mindanao was an appropriate response, but the idea of extending it nationwide “is not welcome news.”

Philippine troops arrived at their barracks to reinforce fellow troops following the siege by Muslim militants last Wednesday on the outskirts of Marawi City. President Rodrigo Duterte warned Wednesday that he'll be harsh in enforcing martial law in his country's south as he abruptly left Moscow to deal with a crisis at home.