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SPEAK A. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte speaks to the nation about the government’s efforts against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Malago Club in Malacanang on April 16, 2020. Photo by Malacanang
MANILA, Philippines – Overwhelmed by the outbreak of coronavirus in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, April 16 threatened to order the police and army to take over if Filipinos continue to break blockade rules aimed at containing the spread of infectious disease.
“I’m just asking for your discipline, kasi ‘pag ayaw ninyong maniwala, mag-take military control of the police. me I order you now to be ready. The police and the military impose social distancing on the curfew. Parang martial law na rin. Mamili Kayo“Duterte said visibly discontented during a speech delivered Thursday night.
(I ask for your discipline, because if you do not want to believe, the military and the police will take over. I order you to be ready now. The police and the military will enforce social distancing and the curfew. It would be like martial law. You choose.)
This comes after Duterte received reports from Filipinos that they continue to violate quarantine rules. During the first part of his speech, the President expressed frustration at containing the virus and providing social relief to Filipinos deprived of their rights who are forced to stay home during the shutdown.
This is Duterte’s strongest statement when asking Filipinos to follow procedures since he declared a blockade of the entire island region of Luzon in mid-March. He said in early February that the police and military will enforce the law during the outbreak.
However, this is the first time he has alluded to martial law, a measure that is considered valid only in extreme conditions due to possible abuse, and a “takeover” of uniformed personnel. Police and soldiers are currently working with barangay officials and volunteer civilians to enforce the blockade measures.
“Kaunting tiis lang (Just hold on a little longer), “said Duterte.
He said he could deliver the order as soon as “next week”.
As of Thursday, the Philippines had 5,660 coronavirus cases, with 362 deaths and 435 recoveries. The number of infections worldwide exceeded 2 million, while more than 137,000 people died in 193 countries and territories. – with a report from the Agence France-Presse / Rappler.com
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