A senior associate justice of the Supreme Court said he celebrated Christmas in Mindanao and the place does not look like a war zone.

For martial law to be declared, there must be actual rebellion and actual threat to public safety, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said.

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“I have been in Davao last Christmas. Nobody thinks it is a war zone. Everyone is celebrating,” Carpio said.

During Tuesday’s oral argument, SC justices questioned petitioners how threat of terrorism can be stopped without the martial law proclamation.

Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay said martial law is not meant to prevent threats of rebellion or invasion.

Besides, petitioners pointed out that what is going on in Mindanao is a mopping up operation.

Associate Justice Marvic Leonen added that the military was able to stop the Maute terror group in eight months with the death of the Maute brothers as well as the doctor with links to the Islamic State.

“Our soldiers won within eight months. Now they want 12 months to win again,” Leonen asked.

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