The announcement was made by Palace spokesperson Ernesto Abella a few minutes past 11 p.m. on Tuesday During a press briefing in Four Square Hotel Moscow, Russia Federation.
The effectivity of the martial rule will last for 60 days, Abella said.
The declaration came after clashes erupted between the Maute Group and the military on Tuesday afternoon, causing residents to hide in their homes in fear.
Abella quoted Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra for legal affairs that the declaration was possible on the grounds of rebellion.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said 2 soldiers and one police officer were killed, while 12 others were wounded in ongoing clashes in Marawi City.
He said the Maute group still occupies a street and two bridges leading to Marawi City.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, during the same press conference, said Duterte will cut short his Russia trip following the atrocities in Marawi City.
Watch full video of the press briefing. (Video credit to the Philippine Presidential Communications Office)
