Mr. Duterte warns of imposing martial law throughout the Philippines

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte could declare martial law nationwide if protests by opposition parties and leftists turn violent and disrupt state operations.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: GMA

SCMP reported that Philippine Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana on September 15 recounted a conversation with the Philippine President earlier: “Mr. Duterte said that if the left-wing organized large protests and caused explosions in the streets, they would cause chaos in the country. If that happened, Mr. Duterte could declare martial law.”

Mr. Lorenzana emphasized that he believes the possibility of imposing martial law is quite low, but he said Mr. Duterte is quite concerned because the situation could get out of control and then he would be forced to take strong measures.

Critics of Mr Duterte say he has returned the Philippines to dictatorship with his ruthless and controversial war on drugs. Protest groups have formed a coalition called the “Movement Against Tyranny” and plan to hold protests on 21 September.

The protests will be against Mr Duterte’s war on drugs, which he accuses of causing thousands of deaths and undermining Philippine democracy. The coalition includes the opposition party, left-wing activists, Catholic bishops and human rights groups.

Mr. Lorenzana said that President Duterte might consider imposing martial law on holidays to prevent any risks. Although Mr. Duterte did not specify a specific date, Mr. Lorenzana seemed to be referring to September 21.

Despite the criticism, polls show that Mr Duterte remains highly popular among Filipinos. Previous anti-Mr Duterte protests have attracted only a few hundred people.

Mr Duterte was elected president of the Philippines last year on a campaign promise to eradicate the country’s drug trade. In his 15 months in office, thousands of people have died in his war on drugs.

Mr Duterte has repeatedly warned of imposing martial law, but neither he nor his aides have said when it would be implemented. He previously said in March: "If I declare martial law nationwide, all problems will be solved, not just the drug trade."

According to Dan Tri