Directing the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the Face of National Emergency, to Maintain Public Peace, Order and Safety and to Prevent and Suppress Lawless Violence

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of General Order No. 5

Suppression of Rebellion in the National Capital Region
- Directs the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to suppress the rebellion in the National Capital Region. (Section 4)
- Cites a conspiracy by elements of the political opposition, the NDF-CPP-NPA (extreme left), and military adventurists (extreme right) to bring down the duly-constituted government elected in May 2004. (Whereas clause 1)
- Claims that these conspirators have repeatedly tried to bring down the republican government. (Whereas clause 2)
- Alleges that the claims of these elements have been magnified by certain segments of the national media. (Whereas clause 3)
- States that these actions are hurting the Philippine State by obstructing governance, hindering economic growth, and sabotaging public confidence in the government and the country's future. (Whereas clauses 4 and 5)
- Declares that these activities give totalitarian forces of the extreme left and right the opportunity to intensify their aims to bring down the democratic Philippine State. (Whereas clause 6)
- Cites Article 2, Section 4 of the Constitution, which makes the defense and preservation of democratic institutions and the State the primary duty of the government. (Whereas clause 7)
- Declares that the described activities, their consequences, ramifications, and collateral effects constitute a clear and present danger to the safety and integrity of the Philippine State and the Filipino people. (Whereas clause 8)
- Refers to Proclamation 1017 dated February 24, 2006, which declared a State of National Emergency. (Whereas clause 9)