This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
December 31, 2019, marked the end of martial law in the southern Philippines, a decision made by President Rodrigo Duterte after two and a half years of military rule. The move was in response to a rebellion by Islamic State militants in the city of Marawi in May 2017.
The Philippine military and police had recommended the end of martial law, citing an improved security situation on the southern island of Mindanao, which includes Marawi. Salvador Panelo, Mr. Duterte’s spokesman, stated that the president was confident in the capability of security forces to maintain peace and security in Mindanao without extending martial law.
Mr. Panelo added, “The people of Mindanao are assured that any incipient major threat in the region would be nipped in the bud.” Hundreds of Islamist fighters from Southeast Asia and the Middle East took over Marawi in May 2017, with the goal of turning that city into the center of an Islamic caliphate.
Intense battles raged in Marawi for months, with the American and Australian militaries providing intelligence support to Philippine forces. More than 1,000 people were killed, including Isnilon Hapilon, the Islamic State’s leader in Southeast Asia, and his key lieutenants.
Rights groups had objected to the use of martial law, warning that it eroded constitutional values. Drieza Abato Lininding, a rights activist, welcomed the presidential announcement, stating, “We’ve been consistent in our appeals in the past that martial law is not necessary in the fight against extremist groups.”
