Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the region of Mindanao. This is Philippines presidential spokesperson Ernie Abella.

Ernie Abella: “The president has called me and asked me to announce that, as of 10 p.m. Manila time, he has already declared martial law for the entire island of Mindanao. As [Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo] Guevarra has clarified, that this is possible on the grounds of existence of rebellion because of what is happening in Mindanao.”

Duterte declared indefinite martial law after militants seized control of key buildings in Marawi City, sparking a battle with the Philippines military. Duterte said the martial law would be no different than what the Philippines experienced under dictator Ferdinand Marcos.