Duterte’s Martial Law Gambit

President of The Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, has declared martial law for 60 days over the souther island of Mindanao following clashes between military forces and the ISIS-inspired fighters. The gun battle began after government troops raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon in Marawi City. Marawi City is a largely Muslim city with a population of over 200,000. The US Department of Justice has listed the Abu Sayyaf leader among the most-wanted terrorists worldwide, with a reward of up to RM15 million for his capture. But it’s the question of using martial law which is drawing the most attention. Today we ask where the Republic is headed under Duterte.