Series of killings not a ground to declare nationwide martial law — Palace

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reports: “The series of killings of local officials, which critics said could create an “atmosphere of lawlessness,” could not be used to declare a nationwide martial law, Malacañang said on 09 June. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said only rebellion and invasion could be used as a ground for the imposition of a nationwide martial law. Roque was reacting to the remarks of Liberal Party President and opposition Sen. Francis Pangilinan who warned that the killings of local politicians could be orchestrated to give President Rodrigo Duterte the grounds to expand the current martial law in Mindanao.”