32 ordering the deployment of more troops to parts of the Visayas and the Bicol region is not a prelude to a declaration of martial law. It reinforces guidelines under the "state of national emergency on account of lawless violence" declared across the Philippines in September 2016. The president also placed Mindanao under martial law in response to the Marawi siege in May 2017. The martial law has been extended by the Congress until December 31 this year. NFSW said the deployment of more troops "only formalizes the de facto martial law that is happening especially in its rural areas," which, it said, "is a prelude to the declaration of nationwide martial law."

Source: Philippine Star November 25, 2018 07:47 UTC