MANILA, Philippines — The declaration of martial law is not being considered despite the recent rise in the number of individuals caught violating guidelines of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) handling the government’s COVID-19 crisis response said Thursday. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), 108,088 have so far violated lockdown rules as of Monday. However, this will not prompt the government to consider declaring martial law, Cabinet Secretary and IATF spokesman Karlo Nograles said. “For you to use or declare martial law ano po ‘yun (there should be) rebellion or invasion. The order stopped all public transportation and strictly enforced home quarantine as work for the majority of the region’s residents was suspended.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 16, 2020 04:07 UTC