Unrest in The Philippines as Duterte Declares Martial Law

Reuters

Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte declares martial law in Mindanao, the southern island. This urgent action was taken after intense fighting in the area. Approximately 100 Muslim fighters attacked one of the island’s major cities and a bloody gun battle followed against government forces.

Duterte Declares Martial Law

In a necessary and swift reaction to the situation, Duterte declares martial law. A move that was announced on Tuesday evening. This will last for a duration of 60 days and cuts short the President’s official visit in Russia. Later Duterte said that martial law could last for as long as a year.

Presidential spokesperson, Ernesto Abella, announced that martial law was declared “for the entire island of Mindanao. This is possible on the grounds of the existence of rebellion.”

Deciding that the urgent situation in the Philippines must take precedence, Duterte immediately returned. Although, he was able to meet with Russia’s Vladimir Putin before he left, rescheduling the encounter from Thursday to Tuesday, in light of events on his home soil.

Promising to be Harsh

There will be no soft measures taken against the perpetrators of the attack, as Duterte promises, “I’ll be harsh.” He also added on a video posted by the government online: “If it’s over within a month, then I’d be happy.”

The death toll so far stands at one police officer and two soldiers, who were killed in the gun fight in Marawi, about 800 kilometers to the south of Manila. There were also around 12 government forces wounded, according to Defense Secretary, Delfin Lorenzana.

During the siege, the perpetrators burned a Catholic church, as well as two schools and the city jail. They also took control of the streets and occupied two main bridges leading to the city, as well as a hospital and the city hall.

“The whole of Marawi city is blacked out, there is no light and there are [rebel] snipers all around,” Lorenzana said at a press conference in Moscow.

Connections to ISIS

It is thought that the gunmen belong to at least two groups linked to ISIS, Abu Sayyaf and Maute. They have openly pledged allegiance to  the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Social media networks have shown photos posted by Marawi residents. These portrayed images of armed men roaming their city brandishing the black flag of ISIS.

Mohammad Abedin, president of the Lanao Del Sur Medical Society in Marawi said: “Please pray for us here. We can see houses burning and we don’t have electricity now.”

Additional forces are set to be deployed to Marawi on Wednesday, after Duterte declares martial law, and residents have been advised to stay indoors.

Both extremist groups Abu Sayyaf and Maute are wanted for bombings, as well as attacks against the government and kidnappings throughout the country. Their approach is barbaric, often including the beheading of their hostages.

Two Canadians and a German were decapitated this year after ransom demands failed to be met.

They may also be responsible for some of the Philippines’ worst attacks including the 2004 bombing of a ferry in Manila Bay, where over 100 people perished.