Duterte thumbs down martial law as means to address crime

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said that he had no plans of imposing martial law throughout the country to fulfill his vow to restore law and order.

Facing reporters in Lapu-Lapu City, Duterte said martial law would "divide the nation."

"Martial law is not feasible. It won't work. It's going to divide the nation. [I] might think of something else," the President said.

He pointed to the country’s experience of martial law under former President Ferdinand Marcos that oversaw the commission of gross human rights violations, rampant corruption, and disregard of civil liberties from 1972 to 1986.

"What really made it so unpopular was the abuses committed, unbridled, unfettered. That cannot happen in my time. I will simply not allow it," Duterte said.

"I will not allow suppression but I will allow free speech to the fullest," he added.

Duterte announced on Wednesday that he may use his emergency power to effect "radical changes" in the days ahead to ensure public order and security.

He said there were “simply too many crimes” as complained by people wary of visiting the country due to fear of being kidnapped or killed.

The Philippines remains under the state of national emergency which Duterte declared following the deadly bombing at a night market in his hometown Davao City in September 2016.

Duterte also placed Mindanao under martial law in May last year in order to quell rebellion by Maute group-led terror organizations that aim to establish an Islamic State province in the region.

Backed by Congress and affirmed by the Supreme Court, the proclamation had been extended twice since.

The martial law would remain in effect until the end of this year. —NB, GMA News