MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed his support to President Rodrigo Duterte on declaring martial law to solve the problems the country is facing.
Dela Rosa said that it is the prerogative of Duterte as chief executive of the state to declare martial law if needed. He, however, noted that it is far from reality.
“One hundred one percent, by all means, we will support the president if he declares, pero I doubt kung magde-declare siya,” the PNP chief said in a press briefing at Camp Crame Monday.
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Duterte said on Saturday in his hometown Davao City that no one can stop him from declaring martial law, even the Supreme Court, if the situation of the country becomes “virulent.”
“Kung gusto ko at if it will deteriorate into something really very virulent, I will declare martial law if I wanted to. Walang makapigil sa akin,” the President said.
“Wala akong pakialam diyan sa Supreme Court, because the thing, the right to preserve one’s life and my nation. My country transcends everything else even the limitations,” he added.
The president’s latest statement contradicts with his previous ones as he said earlier that only an invasion will trigger him to declare martial law. He also once said that declaring martial law is a “stupid” idea that would lead to the downfall of the country.
READ: ‘Only invasion will prompt declaration of martial law’
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa defended the president and said that the statement made by Duterte came out of frustration.
In the instance of martial law, the PNP chief assured the public that there would be no abuse of power like what happened during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos since the government forces already learned from history.
Dela Rosa also admitted that he and his father were also victimized by the abuse of power before when they were arrested for curfew by the now defunct Philippine Constabulary.