Palace denies martial law rumors amid rising COVID-19 cases

Malacaōang denied rumors circulating on social media that President Rodrigo Duterte would declare martial law due to rising COVID-19 cases.

Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles called the claims 'fake news' and urged people not to believe them, saying they contribute to unnecessary anxiety and panic.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also denied the rumors, stating there is no compelling reason to declare martial law despite the surge in new cases.

Lorenzana noted that while the number of infections on Thursday was high at 17,220, it was still lower than the over 26,000 recorded in previous days.