Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says he will impose martial law if the drug problem becomes "very virulent", a month after dismissing as "nonsense" any suggestion he might do so.
Duterte has made a brutal war on drugs a central pillar of his administration since he took office in the middle of last year.
Since July, more than 6000 people have been killed in the anti-drug campaign, in both police operations and unexplained killings by suspected "vigilantes".
More than one million drug peddlers and users have been arrested or have surrendered to authorities.
Duterte, speaking to members of a chamber of commerce in the southern city of Davao late on Saturday, said he has sworn to protect the country against all threats, including drugs, which he says has affected about four million people.
"If I wanted to, and it will deteriorate into something really very virulent, I will declare martial law," he said.
"No one can stop me," he said, referring to the Supreme Court and Congress.
"My country transcends everything else, even the limitations."
The Philippines endured a decade of martial law from the early 1970s and many people will remember the campaigns to restore democracy and protect human rights.
Last month, Duterte appeared to rule out any possibility he might declare martial law.
"That's nonsense. We had martial law before, what happened? Did it improve our lives now? Not at all," he said.
"If I wanted to, and it will deteriorate into something really very virulent, I will declare martial law": Rodrigo Duterte. Source: AAP
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