Duterte tells House, Senate why he did it

President cites ‘numerous acts of violence’ in Mindanao as justification for placing region under military rule

“Numerous acts of violence” dating back to 2013 prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in all of Mindanao. In his report to Congress, which the Constitution requires, the President said the attack in Marawi was “a clear attempt to establish the terrorist groups’ seat of power” in that city in Lanao del Sur. He wants them “quelled.”

President Rodrigo Duterte has submitted to Congress an official report to substantiate his decision to declare martial law in Mindanao.

Malacañang released Friday afternoon a copy of the report, which was signed by the President Thursday night and briefly received by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

The President said that Mindanao “has been the hotbed of violent extremism and a brewing rebellion for decades.”

He said the lawless acts perpetrated by terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf and Maute have derailed the government’s aim to achieve peace and order in the region.

“In more recent years, we have witnessed the perpetration of numerous acts of violence challenging the authority of the duly constituted authorities,” Duterte said in his report.

The President cited the Zamboanga siege, the Mamasapano carnage; and the bombings in Davao, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu and Basilan as unacceptable eventualities of terror attacks.

He said the May 23 attack in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur showed the groups’ “clear intention to establish an Islamic State and their capability to deprive the duly constituted authorities, the President foremost, of their powers and prerogatives.”

“These activities constitute not simply a display of force, but a clear attempt to establish the groups’ seat of power in Marawi City for their planned establishment of a DAESH wilayat, or province covering the entire Mindanao,” he said.

The group reportedly took over and burned several establishments in the city. They purportedly freed inmates and attacked non-Muslims.

Military operations against the rebels remain ongoing. Around 11 members of government forces were reportedly killed while 35 others were injured.

Duterte said the terrorists’ occupation of Marawi City is their “strategic” move because the area has served as “escape These activities constitute not simply a display of force, but a clear attempt to establish the groups’ seat of power in Marawi City for their planned establishment of a DAESH wilayat, or province covering the entire Mindanao.

PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE

routes, supply lines, and backdoor passages.”

He said public safety necessitates the continued implementation of a one-man rule in Mindanao “until such time that the rebellion is completely quelled.”

“These circumstances demand swift and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the Filipino people and preserve our national integrity,” said Duterte.

Section 18, Article 7 of the Constitution allows the president to declare Martial law for 60 days in the face of invasion or rebellion.

Upon the President’s submission of report on declaration of martial law, Congress will decide whether to approve or revoke the proclamation.