MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said he will make sure to put an end to terrorism if ever he declares martial law in Mindanao.

Speaking at the 35th anniversary of ruling PDP-Laban party, Duterte warned terrorists and drug addicts in Mindanao not to force him to declare martial law.

“Pag ako ang nagdeclare ng martial law it would be the defining moment… kasi I would see to it na tapos talaga ang problema,” he said.

“Martial law is martial law,” he added.

Duterte said his warning is not limited to Moros only, but extends to everyone.

This is not the first time the President spoke about possible martial law in Mindanao. Last week, Duterte said he thought about declaring martial law in Mindanao after receiving reports of violence against the youth there.

Duterte had appealed to local officials of Mindanao to help him keep the peace in southern Philippines.

"Either tulungan ninyo ako or I will declare martial law tomorrow for Mindanao," Duterte said during a meeting with Mindanao chief executives in Davao City last Thursday.

(Either you help me or I will declare martial law tomorrow for Mindanao.)