PROCLAIMING A STATE OF MARTIAL LAW IN THE PHILIPPINES

Case Overview and Summary

Proclamation No. 1081

Declaring Martial Law in the Philippines

- Lawless elements moved by Marxist-Leninist-Maoist ideology are staging armed insurrection and rebellion to overthrow the government and supplant the existing political, social, economic and legal order. (Section 1)
- These elements have infiltrated and controlled front organizations to recruit members, especially from peasantry, laborers, professionals, intellectuals, students, and mass media. (Section 2)
- They have organized the "New People's Army" to wage armed struggle against the government through raids, ambuscades, assassinations, and acts of terror. (Sections 3-4)
- They are mounting propaganda assaults against the government and its institutions to erode public faith and support. (Section 5)
- They are implementing a plan to cause widespread destruction of public utilities and services. (Section 6)
- The Supreme Court has found that an actual insurrection and rebellion exists, posing a clear and grave danger to public safety and national security. (Sections 7-8)
- They have brought in substantial quantities of war materials, including 3,500 M-14 rifles, rocket launchers, and ammunition. (Section 9)
- They have prepared a "Regional Program of Action 1972" detailing plans for intensified violence, sabotage, bombings, assassinations, and establishment of revolutionary governments. (Section 10)
- They have conducted intensified acts of violence and terrorism in the Greater Manila area, including bombings of buildings, utilities, and attempted bombings. (Sections 11-12)
- They have fielded "sparrow units" or "Simbad units" for liquidation missions against government officials and prominent citizens. (Section 13)
- There is also serious disorder in Mindanao and Sulu due to conflict between Christian and Muslim populations, involving groups like the "Ilagas", "Barracudas", and Mindanao Independence Movement. (Sections 14-16)
- The violent disorder in Mindanao and Sulu has resulted in over 1,000 civilian deaths, 2,000 armed casualties, and over 500,000 displaced persons. (Section 17)
- Despite calling out the armed forces and suspending the writ of habeas corpus, the government has been unable to contain the rebellion and lawlessness. (Section 18)
- The rebellion and armed action have assumed the magnitude of an actual state of war against the people and the Republic. (Section 19)
- Therefore, the entire Philippines is placed under martial law, and the armed forces are commanded to maintain law and order, suppress lawless violence, insurrection, and rebellion. (Section 20)
- All persons detained for crimes related to insurrection, rebellion, national security, public order, usurpation of authority, and crimes by public officers shall be kept under detention until ordered released. (Section 21)