General Order No. 5

Article 2, Section 4 of our Constitution makes the defense and preservation of the democratic institutions and the State the primary duty of Government; WHEREAS , the activities above described, their consequences, ramifications and collateral effects constitute a clear and present danger to the safety and integrity of the Philippine State and of the Filipino people; WHEREAS , Proclamation 1017 dated February 24, 2006 has been issued declaring a State of National Emergency; NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO , by virtue of the powers vested in me under the Constitution as President of the Republic of the Philippines, and Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of the Philippines, and pursuant to Proclamation No. 1017 dated February 24, 2006, do hereby call upon the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), to prevent and suppress acts of terrorism and lawless violence in the country; I hereby direct the Chief of Staff of the AFP and the Chief of the PNP, as well as the officers and men of the AFP and PNP, to immediately carry out the necessary and appropriate actions and measures to suppress and prevent acts of terrorism and lawless violence. City of Manila, February 24, 2006.  (Sgd.)   GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO By the President: (SGD.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA Executive Secretary