Duterte: Martial law stinks, but…

MANILA, Philippines -  President Duterte believes that martial law “stinks” even as he vowed to end security problems in Mindanao if he decides to declare it. 

Speaking to local executives in Manila on Tuesday, Duterte said threat groups should not force him to place Mindanao under military rule. 

“I said do not ask for it because I will always give it to you. I said there will be no martial law. But if this situation persists, if children are targeted, you are asking for it,” he said.  

“ I do not want a martial law administration. It stinks. But in other places, if there are too much abuse and our innocent children become victims, you will force my hand into it,” the President said.

”If I declare martial law, I will see to it that all problems in Mindanao will end. I will really put an end to it,” Duterte added.

 Last week, the President called on local executives in Mindanao to help him solve security problems in their respective areas or he would be forced to declare martial law. He said local officials should use their police force to prevent terrorism from spinning out of control.

Citing the discovery of explosives at a public high school in Zamboanga, Duterte said losing up to 10 soldiers or 20 policemen in operations is acceptable, but not if schools and children are victimized by lawless elements.

“I am asking you because I don’t want the trouble in Mindanao to spin out of control...as president, I will be forced, I will be compelled to exercise extraordinary powers,” Duterte said in a speech in Davao City on Thursday.

He later clarified his statement, saying martial law is not a good idea because it could traumatize Filipinos.