Philippines: Officials lift state of national emergency in Mindanao as of July 28

Event

Authorities have lifted a state of national emergency in Mindanao as of July 28, citing an improvement in the security situation. The order had placed Mindanao under a state of national emergency due to persistent violence in some areas of the island. However, heightened security is likely to continue. Military personnel will remain in the region amid continuing counterterrorism operations. Significant business disruptions are unlikely, especially in major cities including Davao, General Santos, and Zamboanga.

The tightest security is likely to remain in places with an elevated risk or history of militant activity, like Marawi. Increased security measures have included additional checkpoints along major roads, at regional airports, ports, transport hubs, provincial and city borders, shopping malls, and other crowded places and vital installations. Security forces could continue to conduct screenings of both pedestrians and vehicles. Restrictions on intercity and interprovincial overland travel are also possible, especially in western provinces. Overnight curfews are possible elsewhere in Mindanao, though the curfew timing and enforcement may vary depending on locations.

Context

Duterte declared a state of emergency in Mindanao in September 2016 and martial law in May 2017, following an extremist siege on Marawi City. The martial law measure ended Dec. 31, 2019, amid security officials claiming to have neutralized militant groups' abilities to launch another large-scale operation like Marawi in the region. Despite a decline in major attacks in the territory, authorities continue to cite Islamist militant groups, including the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) activity, especially in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the Zamboanga Peninsula; and leftist New People's Army (NPA) violence as threats in the region. According to an estimate by army officials in late 2022, over 380 fighters associated with terror groups remain active in Mindanao, and are considered responsible for kidnapping, extortion, and small-scale bombings.

Advice

If operating in Mindanao, heed all official instructions and remain nonconfrontational when interacting with security personnel. Use secure transport if travel between cities in Mindanao is necessary and allow additional time to reach destinations due to possible checkpoint delays. Register and maintain contact with diplomatic missions.