Philippines: Martial law extended on Mindanao through December 31 /update 1

Event

The Philippine legislature voted on Saturday, July 22, to renew martial law on the island of Mindanao until December 31. President Rodrigo Duterte justified the extension as a necessary means to fight the ongoing Islamist insurgency in the area. However, his opponents claim it is part of a wider consolidation of power and attempt to clamp down on civil liberties. Demonstrations in response to the announcement are possible.

Context

A major armed conflict has been ongoing in Marawi City (Mindanao island) since May 23, following a botched government raid on a hideout sheltering Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group. Martial went into effect on the island within hours of the outbreak of fighting.

The Philippine government is currently battling various militant Islamist groups laying siege to the city, including Islamic State (IS)-affiliated Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the Abu Sayyaf militant group, and the Maute group. Around 246,000 people have been displaced by the fighting. The conflict is part of a wider decades-old insurgency in marginalized Muslim-majority areas of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, on July 19, the New People's Army (NPA) guerilla group - the armed wing of the Philippine communist movement - allegedly carried out an attack on a presidential security convoy on Mindanao Island. Duterte called on all guerilla groups to commit to suspending operations against government troops and stop all extortion activities in the south, stating that formal negotiations to end hostilities in the decades-old insurgency will not resume until attacks on armed forces cease. Negotiations were suspended in May after the NPA announced plans to increase operations against government troops in response to the declaration of martial law.

Advice

Individuals are advised to avoid the region surrounding Marawi City, 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 due to terrorist activity, regular clashes between the military and insurgent groups, and the risk of kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf.