AFP stresses Duterte has power to declare martial law nationwide

September 11, 2017

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) emphasized that a nationwide declaration of martial law is within the discretion of the Commander in Chief, President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Under the Constitution, it is within the Commander in Chief's purview to initiate the necessary action available under our laws that would safeguard the Republic in the event of a rebellion or a breakdown of law and order,” Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said Monday.

Over the weekend, Duterte warned of declaring martial law all throughout the country if the New People’s Army (NPA) takes rebellion to the streets.

Padilla noted that like the other government agencies, the armed forces are mandated to provide information to the president.

“It is the mandate of the AFP and other security agencies of government to provide the necessary information so that the commander in chief can make the relevant and appropriate decisions if need be when there is any threat or contingency needing such actions,” he said.

“The primordial consideration would be the national interests and the welfare of our people,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS