Philippines may impose nationwide martial law to tackle IS

The Philippines may be put under martial law to tackle the threat of Islamic State, said President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday.

Duterete on Tuesday placed southern island of Mindanao under military rule where the Muslim rebel groups have unleashed terror and beheaded a policeman and killed three other security force personnel. Duterte cut short his visit to Russia to deal with the violence in the city of Marawi, where the rebel groups have pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS).

As the frightened people continue to flee Marawi, Duterete today said he might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people and preserve the nation.

Duterte assured the public he will not allow abuses under martial rule.