AUTHORITARIAN

Duterte Threatens to Jail Critics of Martial Law

Philippines president declared martial law in a part of the country to counter ISIS threat.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to jail those criticizing him over his declaration of martial law in a part of the country. Duterte declared martial law in the southern region of Mindanao in May as part of an effort to counter the ISIS threat. Ahead of an expected Supreme Court ruling on the issue, Duterte said he wouldn’t follow the court’s guidance. “It's not dependent on the whim of the Supreme Court. Should I believe them? When I see the situation is still chaotic and you ask me to lift it? I will arrest you and put you behind bars,” Duterte said. “We can talk of anything else and make compromises maybe but not when the interest of my country is at stake.”