Palace says killings are not grounds for martial law

MALACAÑANG said Monday, July 9, that the killing of two mayors and one vice mayor in just one week does not constitute grounds for the declaration of martial law nationwide.

"Martial law is only for rebellion or invasion," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. told a press conference.

"Dalawang basehan lang po iyan [para magdeklara ng martial law]. Kahit ilan pa iyang patayan na iyan, kung walang rebellion at walang pananakop, wala pong dahilan para magkaroon ng martial law sa buong Pilipinas," he added.

(These are the two grounds [for the declaration of martial law]. Despite the series of killings, if there is no rebellion or invasion, there is no reason to impose martial law in the entire Philippines).

On Saturday, July 7, opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan warned of a looming martial law in the entire country, following the killing of Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili, General Tinio town Mayor Ferdinand Bote and Trece Martires City Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan.

Halili was killed on July 2, Bote on July 3 and Lubigan on July 7.

"What is going on? Are these deliberate and orchestrated attempts at creating an atmosphere of lawlessness to justify strongman rule?" Pangilinan asked.

Roque said the local officials may have been killed since it is "political season" in the country.

"So tingin ko po (I think), the more plausible explanation behind this is it is really political season in the Philippines," Roque said.

"So there is no system behind the killings but the common obligation of the state is to accord justice and of course, domestic remedy of all victims of these killings," he added.

Mindanao is already under martial law. President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law on the island on May 23, 2017, after fighting erupted in Marawi City between the government soldiers and Maute fighters.

Martial law in Mindanao has been extended to end-December 2018.