Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The National Security Council (NSC) will convene on Monday to discuss pressing issues after the President threatened to declare martial law in Mindanao.
In a meeting with Mindanao local chief executives Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte said he will be forced to declare martial law if the officials will not be able to address the “unstoppable” violence.
“I now face the enormity of the problem of dealing with this violence that’s almost unstoppable. Wala akong choices so mag-usap tayo (I have no choice so we have to talk). Either tulungan ninyo ako (Either you help me) or I will declare martial law tomorrow for Mindanao ,” Duterte said.
He also warned the local officials who serve as protectors of drug personalities.
“Ngayon, kung mapipilitan ako mag-martial law (Now, if I will be forced to declare martial law), then you cuddle drugs and terrorists, I’ll be forced to arrest you,” he added.
Interior Secretary Mike Sueno said local officials should take the President’s warnings seriously.
“So far kasi in the past years parang pinaubaya na lang mga local executives sa military at pulis ang peace and order problem,” Sueno said, adding that among these problems are terrorism, the New People’s Army (NPA) and illegal drugs.
[Translation: So far, in the past years, it seems local executives have left the peace and order problem to the hands of the military and police.]
Sueno said the presence of Chinese ships in resource-rich Benham Rise may also be discussed.
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said the president will consider the results of the NSC’s review of national security issues in executing his duties.
CNN Philippines’ digital producer Yvette Morales contributed to this report.
