Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana denied on Thursday, Jan. 6, that there will be a declaration of Martial Law in the country as part of the measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"Not true, fake news," said Lorenzana when asked to comment about social media posts urging everyone to start stockpiling food items and other basic goods unitl Jan. 30 in preparation for President Duterte's Martial Law declaration.
The social media posts claimed that the Martial Law would be declared tonight and would be until Jan. 30.
Lorenzana, however, assured that Martial Law declaration is '"definitely out of the picture" in COVID-19 response.
"There is no compelling reason to declare martial law," he said.