PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac. INQUIRER.net file photo / Cathrine Gonzales
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said there is no immediate need to declare martial law amid the emergency posed by the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“The PNP sees no pressing need to place the country under martial law due to the present emergency situation caused by COVID-19,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement on Tuesday.
“There is no imminent threat from rebellion or invasion as of yet to justify the declaration of martial law,” he added.
The statement was issued after presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte may declare martial law on the ground that the coronavirus disease may be considered as an invasion as it has infected 9,485 people in the Philippines.
Nevertheless, Banac said the nation’s police force will leave the matter to the national leadership if it finds martial law as necessary.
“In such a case, the PNP shall be ready to abide by and implement the orders of the President of the Philippines,” Banac said.