President Digong Declares Martial Law in Mindanao

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on Tuesday night in response to a violent confrontation in Marawi City that began on Tuesday afternoon.

The President cuts short his state visit to Moscow, Russia to personally be with his countrymen in this time of crisis.

The declaration was announced by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella in a press conference together with DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Abella disclosed to the media representatives who joined the President in the official visit to Moscow, "The President has called me and asked me to announce that as of 10 p.m. Manila time, he has already declared Martial Law for the entire island of Mindanao."

According to the Office of the Senior Deputy Executive Secretary, "this was possible on the grounds of existence of rebellion because of what is happening in Mindanao based on Article 7, Section 18 of the Constitution, and this is good for 60 days."

Amidst the situation in Marawi City, the President decided to shorten his official meeting in Russia.

The President is scheduled to stay in Moscow until the 26th of May.