The country was under martial law again from 1972 to 1981 under President Ferdinand Marcos . Proclamation № 1081 ( " Proclaiming a State of Martial Law in the Philippines " ) was signed on 21 September 1972 and came into force on 22 September . The official reason behind the declaration was to suppress increasing civil strife and the threat of a communist takeover , particularly after a series of bombings ( including the Plaza Miranda bombing ) and an assassination attempt on Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile in Mandaluyong
Plaza Miranda bombing
Plaza Miranda bombing
Martial law