Philippines: Martial law extended on Mindanao through December 2018 /update 9

Event

The Philippine legislature voted on Wednesday, December 13, to renew martial law on the island of Mindanao for one more year until December 31, 2018. President Rodrigo Duterte justified the extension as a necessary means to fight all breeds of terrorism in the southern half of the country. 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 in the coming weeks.

Context

Mindanao island has been under martial law since May 23, 2017.

On October 26, President Duterte ordered the formation of ten new infantry battalions (totaling 5000 soldiers) to fight the remaining pro-Islamic State (IS) militants in the south of the country (Mindanao), after having (prematurely) declared Marawi liberated from terrorists on October 17. The announcement came one day after Isnilon Hapilon and Omarkhayan Maute - leaders of the IS-affiliated Abu Sayyaf and Maute militant groups, respectively - were killed in targeted operations on October 16.

Fighting started in Marawi in May, following a botched government raid on a hideout sheltering Hapilon. Around 1100 people, including at least 897 militants, 167 security personnel, and 57 civilians, died in the subsequent fighting, with another 600,000 people displaced.

Advice

Individuals are advised to continue to avoid the region surrounding Marawi, monitor the situation, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.

As a reminder, some Western governments formally advise against travel to southwestern 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.