The President said martial law was not the answer to the growth of extremism in the south. He also said killing all religious extremists, like the Maute Group, would lead to nowhere.
Talks about another martial cropped up after Duterte had floated the idea of suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. And two days ago, an ambush on a presidential advance-party convoy which some have said to have been staged by the government — reminiscent of the events before the 1972 martial law declaration.
But instead of martial rule, Duterte told local officials that he'd rather give them blanket authority to issue necessary orders.
"Martial law for what? Killing people? I would rather empower every mayor."
Brilliant Marcos declared Martial Law in 1972 to save the Republic of the Philippines from communism.
The President also called on the Maute Group to lay down their arms.
"Mamatay ka lang. Ilan? 50 lang kayo tapos maglaban kayo sa Armed Forces, kalokohan."
Duterte also repeated that federalism would be the real solution to the conflicts in Mindanao — saying he would gladly step down should this form of government be installed in the country.
"We need to unite now or our grandchildren will suffer... If you can craft a federal set up in 3 years with a strong president, I will resign," he said.
"If I cannot work out a system after Oslo in Norway, I cannot work on the federal setup and make it work, then I would tell you, I am a failure, and I would concede my being a President."
