Expanding martial law to whole Philippines?

President Rodrigo Duterte has said that he is considering to expand the implementation of martial law to the entire Philippines after he placed Mindanao under military rule.

Duterte said he might expand martial law to the Visayas and Luzon if the threat of the terrorist Islamic State (ISIS) persists. “If I think that the ISIS has already taken foothold also in Luzon, and terrorism is not really far behind, I might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people,” Duterte said in a press briefing upon his arrival from an official trip to Russia. Initially, Duterte volunteered that he may decide to expand the scope of martial rule to the Visayas, as it is right beside Mindanao. “I may decide to expand the area to include the Visayas because it is a walking distance actually,” he said.

“I might also decide to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in the Visayas. Remember that this is not intended for the law-abiding citizens. We are the least of your worries,” the President added. Later, Duterte said he would also consider placing Luzon under the scope of martial rule, or a nationwide imposition of martial law.

Duterte had earlier said that he will be harsh in implementing martial law, which he said “will not be any different” from the military rule under dictator Ferdinand Marcos.