Duterte warns of martial law over NPA attacks

President Rodrigo Duterte warned he might declare martial law if the communist New People's Army's (NPA) lawlessness continues and sabotages pandemic relief efforts.

This statement followed an alleged NPA ambush that killed two Army soldiers in Aurora province on April 22, who were facilitating the distribution of social welfare subsidies.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque laughed off suggestions that Duterte was taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to declare martial law, stating that the President's basis for such a declaration would be the Constitution.

Roque reiterated that Duterte will only declare martial law if the NPA continues attacking soldiers, especially those securing aid distribution.

He added that martial law would be declared if the NPA persists in attacking troops and stealing government aid.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) affirmed that any declaration of martial law would be implemented in accordance with the law and the 1987 Constitution, respecting the Bill of Rights and the Law of Armed Conflict.