Philippines: Holy month of Ramadan begins May 26-27

Event

On May 26-27, Muslims will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place on June 25. Though practices can vary by country, many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduce schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown (particularly over weekends) is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather to celebrate the holy month with family. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and impatience.

Additionally, expect tight security measures in major urban areas due to a heightened terror threat. In 2016, Islamic State (IS) called on its members to perpetrate attacks coinciding with Ramadan. Some regional terrorist groups followed suit. Finally, local authorities typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion.

While the Philippines is largely Catholic, the south is home to a sizable Muslim minority as well as extremist militant groups, such as Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), who are fighting for a separate Islamic state. Around 100 BIFF fighters were targeted by security forces after the militants planted makeshift bombs and committed a number of murders in recent months. The BIFF split from a major Muslim rebel group called the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2008 after the MILF opened peace negotiations with the government.

Advice

Individuals in the Philippines are advised not to eat, drink or smoke in public by day in Muslim-majority areas during this period. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

As a reminder, Philippine authorities advise against all travel to western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago due to frequent terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups. The Philipino government advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao and to the south of Cebu province, up to and including the municipalities of Dalaguete and Badian.