Quick answers

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed martial law on the southern region of Mindanao. Here’s a look at what that means.

What happened to trigger martial law?

Duterte acted after security forces on Tuesday battled dozens of gunmen in Marawi, a city of about 200,000 people.

One policeman and two soldiers died in the fighting, authorities said.

Tuesday’s violence was the latest in a series of deadly clashes with militants who have pledged allegiance to Daesh, and are based throughout Mindanao.

What will happen under martial law?

Martial law allows the president to “call out the armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion”, according to the constitution.

Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said security forces would be able to arrest suspected militants and hold them for three days without charge.

What happens next?

The constitution limits martial law to 60 days unless congress agrees to extend it. Duterte warned yesterday it could last for a year.