Proclamation No. 1946, issued on November 24, 2009, by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, declares a state of emergency in Central Mindanao, specifically in the Provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, as well as the City of Cotabato. This measure follows a violent incident resulting in multiple fatalities, including women and media personnel, highlighting the urgent need to curb lawless violence in the region. The proclamation mandates the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to take necessary actions, as permitted by law, to maintain order. The state of emergency will remain in effect until the President decides to lift it.
November 24, 2009
PROCLAMATION NO. 1946
DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN CENTRAL MINDANAO
WHEREAS, on November 23, 2009, several persons, including women and members of media were killed in violent incident which took place in Central Mindanao; acSECT
WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to prevent and suppress the occurrence of similar other incidents of lawless violence in Central Mindanao;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and by law, do hereby proclaim, as follows:
SECTION 1. The Provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and the City of Cotabato are hereby placed under a state of emergency for the purpose of preventing and suppressing lawless violence in the aforesaid jurisdiction.
SECTION 2. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are hereby ordered to undertake such measures as may be allowed by the Constitution and by law to prevent and suppress all incidents of lawless violence in the said jurisdiction.
SECTION 3. The state of emergency covering the Provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and the City of Cotabato shall remain in force and effect until lifted or withdrawn by the President.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 24th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Nine.