Drugs fuelled martial law in Mindanao: Duterte

June 7, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday illegal drug operation is included in the crime of rebellion, which was his basis for declaring martial law in Mindanao. In a speech in a military camp in Tacurong City, Duterte explained the ongoing terrorism in Marawi City is funded by the proceeds from illegal drugs. "Drugs fuelled martial law because martial was declared because of terrorism or it was their direct fund-raising," he said. Duterte declared martial law in whole of Mindanao on May 23, citing  rebellion and invasion by the Islamic State-linked Maute Terror Group as grounds. "It's because of the drug money. They were funding the terrorism...They are funding the drug or protecting the drug so that they have money to spend with. So that is included in the crime of rebellion now. Part of the arms, part of the funding," Duterte explained. Duterte has waged war against illegal drugs. Thousands of people have allegedly been killed since the campaign started in July last year. But under the Constitution, the problem on illegal drugs is not a ground for the declaration of martial law. The Constitution provides that the President, as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, the President may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Celerina Monte/DMS