‘Unlikely’ to happen

Lorenzana says of nationwide martial law

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte is unlikely to impose martial law in the entire country, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Friday.

At a press conference, Lorenzana explained that the Commander-in-Chief merely floated the possibility of declaring martial rule nationwide should communist insurgents inflict disruption.

The Defense chief said Duterte was just “very concerned” that the communists’ “anticipated” massive protests on September 21, the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the country, “might get out of hand.”

Lorenzana, however, still gave assurance that military enforcement all throughout the country was “very remote.”

“[Declaring martial law nationwide is] very remote to happen. The President is just very concerned that it might get out of hand that’s why he said [it],” Lorenzana said.

“But I don’t think that the Left will be able to conduct the massive demonstration across the country, disrupting [or] disabling government or the lives of the people. Perhaps, that’s not going to happen,” he added.

On September 9, Duterte threatened to declare martial law in the entire country, if the communist rebels cause “destruction and trouble” in the streets.

The President said he would welcome any demonstration as long as it would not hamper the public’s lives.

“I will not hesitate to impose martial law all throughout the country and order the arrest of everybody,” he said.

In an interview aired at state-run PTV4 on late Friday night, Duterte was mulling the suspension of work in government offices and classes in schools when the communist group conducts mass protests on the 45th anniversary of martial law.

Duterte, however, did not give a specific date for the declaration of “holiday,” in anticipation of massive rally. SunStar Philippines