Martial law in the Philippines allows the head of state to place areas under military control during times of civil unrest or natural disasters. It suspends civil law and rights, imposes curfews, and extends military justice to civilians. The most infamous declaration was Proclamation No. 1081 by President Ferdinand Marcos in 1972, which suspended civil rights and placed the country under martial rule for over 8 years until 1981. Martial law gives the military control over civilians and government during times of emergency.