The Malacañan confirmed that state of national emergency in Mindanao runs notwithstanding the conclusion of martial law there in December 2019. “Proclamation No. 55 issued by the President last September 04, 2016, which declares a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence, is still in effect despite the expiry of martial law in Mindanao in December last year,” elucidated Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo.
The palace pointed out the constitutional power of the President to issue an order to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) towards attainment of peace. “Article 7, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution bestows upon the President, as the Commander-in-chief, three extraordinary powers in connection with such designation, namely, [A] to call out the armed forces, [B] to place any part of the country under martial law and [C] to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus,” Panelo justified.
The Chief Executive, through Proclamation No. 55, enjoined the AFP and Philippine National Police to subdue every lawless vehemence in Southern Philippines. “Proclamation No. 55 was issued pursuant to the calling out power of the President. Specifically, it commanded the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to undertake such measures to suppress any and all forms of lawless violence in Mindanao and to prevent the same from spreading and escalating elsewhere in the Philippines,” clarified the Presidential Spokesperson.
Last, the palace requests the public to unite with the state in the duration of the national emergency.
