Philippines: Travel warnings for Mindanao region issued July 18-25

Event

On July 18, the United States issued a warning against travel to Mindanao and the islands of Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol due to credible information that terrorists have planned to conduct kidnappings. On Monday, July 24, Canada issued a warning against travel to the whole southern region of Mindanao, except for the city of Davao, due to the risk of kidnappings and terrorist attacks. On Tuesday, July 25, the United Kingdom (UK) issued a warning against travel throughout Mindanao due to a high likelihood of terrorist attacks throughout the Philippines, including Manila. The UK also stated that there was a high risk of kidnappings and terrorism in the central city of Dumaguete and Siquijor Island. Australia issued a warning similar to that of Canada and the UK.

Context

The warnings follow President Rodrigo Duterte extending the state of emergency throughout the Mindanao region on July 22 until the end of 2017.

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 Mindanao region, monitor the situation, and 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.