Duterte Threats to Declare Martial Law if NPA and Other Rebel Groups Continue to Delay COVID-19 Aid Delivery

President Rodrigo Duterte threatens to declare martial law if the unlawful of, and prevention of aid delivery by New People’s Army members continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a public address that aired on Friday morning, the president said that he will let the military and police that he may declare martial law in the country. He had stressed the recent attack of communist rebels against Filipino soldiers who were escorting the delivery of aid to Filipinos.


According to Army officials, two soldiers lost their lives from a recent NPA attack in the province of Aurora.

According to the Philippine Constitution, the country may be placed under martial during the events of rebellion, invasion, or when public safety mandates it.

Additionally, the military reported that three Army troopers were also killed and four were injured during an encounter with the NPA in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Soldiers who were securing the distribution of cash assistance had also encountered rebels in Sitio Tugas in Barangay Carabalan.

According to the presidents, he might declare martial law in the Philippines. There is no turning back once the decision is made, the president added.


The president was mad at the NPA for preventing help from reaching the people of the country.

Also, the president gave a warning to the legal fronts of the rebels to hide.

On April 16, the Communist Party of the Philippines stated that it will extend the unilateral ceasefire with the forces of the government until the end of April to give priority to the battle against COVID-19.

According to the statement given by the CPP, all units of the NPA are ordered to limit their acts and only employ active defense operations once the need arises such as during imminent danger and actual attacks from armed forces during the ceasefire period.