Philippines: Government declares martial law in Mindanao May 23 /update 1

Event

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao for 60 days due to the ongoing siege in Marawi City. According to Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, an estimated 50 Islamic State (IS) militants have entered the city and set a number of buildings and houses on fire. Media sources reported that the terrorists have taken control of the Amai Pakpak Medical Center and fought security forces near Mindanao State University. The Islamic State released a statement through its Amaq News propaganda outlet, confirming that its fighters are involved in the clashes. Lorenzana told reporters that militant snipers are active in the city and the area is under a power blackout. Security forces are waiting for reinforcements before continuing their clearing operation on Wednesday, May 24. At least two soldiers and one police officer have been killed and more than ten have been wounded. Avoid the area.

Context

Hapilon is wanted by the United States for carrying out terrorist attacks targeting US citizens. He is also suspected of attempting to unite the Filipino militant groups that have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS).

Abu Sayyaf is known for kidnapping people for ransom in southwest Mindanao (especially in Zamboanga province) and in the Sulu Archipelago (Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Basilan provinces). Sailors and foreigners are regularly abducted in the Sulu Sea. The Philippine military confirmed on February 27 that Abu Sayyaf had beheaded a German hostage after the deadline for the payment of his ransom had passed. The killing reportedly took place in Indanan on Sulu Archipelago. In late April 2016, Abu Sayyaf executed a Canadian hostage who was captured in September 2015 on Jolo Island and beheaded two Canadian hostages in mid-June 2016 after failing to receive a ransom for their release. Nearly 30 people are still being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf, including Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Filipino, Japanese, Canadian, and Dutch citizens.

Advice

Individuals in Marawi City are advised to remain indoors, to monitor the situation, and to obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.

As a reminder, most Western governments formally advise against all travel to southwest Mindanao and to the Sulu Archipelago because of terrorist activity, regular clashes between the military and insurgent groups, and the risk of kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf.