President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the deployment of more soldiers and policemen to Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and the Bicol region to “suppress lawless violence and acts of terror” in these areas, according to a memorandum which was released by Malacañang on Friday. ‘Sporadic acts of violence’The order noted that a “number of sporadic acts of violence have occurred recently” in several provinces. “Why will I declare martial law? Duterte now wants to declare the legitimate exercise of freedom of the people as a criminal act,” he said. “[That] can be done through the normal chain of command and by relieving officers not doing their job,” he said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 23, 2018 21:33 UTC