MANILA (Updated) -- President Rodrigo Duterte floated Wednesday the possibility of declaring martial law, not just in Mindanao, but in the entire country.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Manila from his Russia trip, Duterte said he will not hesitate to declare martial law all throughout the country if the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) also contaminates Luzon and Visayas.
"The hardest thing to deal with would be the arrival of Isis in the country and it has come to pass. And that is there is really war going on. Government must put an end to this," Duterte said.
He said he might declare martial law in the Visayas, as it is just a "walking distance" from Mindanao, the stronghold of the local terror group Maute and Abu Sayyaf.
"With many islands, they (Isis) can escape there," he said.
He added that the writ of habeas corpus may also be suspended in the Visayas region, but assured that he will not allow abuses.
Suspending the writ of habeas corpus means that the government can arrest and imprison anyone without charges or trial.
Duterte said he will not hesitate to do everything to protect the Filipino nation.
"I might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people," he added.
But he assured the "law abiding citizens" that they have nothing to worry about.
"If you confront government with violence, and anyone caught possessing a gun, my orders are shoot to kill," the President said.
Duterte placed Mindanao under martial rule for 60 days effective Tuesday, May 23, amid the skirmishes between government forces and members of local terror group Maute in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
The President confirmed in the press conference Wednesday that a policeman and two soldiers were killed in Tuesday's clash in Marawi. About 12 others were injured.
He said sporadic clashes in Marawi continues Wednesday, and the incident showed the Maute group's capability to sow terror.
"I will not allow the country to go to the dogs. As I said, the military has the primary role now in keeping the law and order... If I think that you will die, you should die," he added.
Duterte also said that he may permit the citizens to carry firearms in the proper time.
He said as President and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, it is his duty to ensure the safety of the people.
"It is my constitutional mandate to enforce the law and ensure that every family and community are assured to live in peace and harmony," Duterte said.
Under Section 18, Article 7 of 1987 Constitution, the President can declare martial law "in case of invasion or rebellion, when public safety requires it."
A President is privileged to declare martial law in 60 days if Congress approves such declaration.
Duterte also appealed to the public to not allow the Isis to enter the country.
"I warn you again, do not do it because as I have said, my response would be harsh. I will not hesitate to do everything to protect the Filipino nation," Duterte said. (SunStar Philippines)