But at the same time, both continue to have armed followers in their respective territories. The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have existing peace agreements with the government.
#MARTIAL LAW MEANING FULL#
Get the Newsletterįor instance, would martial law also target the other armed groups operating in Mindanao? These groups are currently engaged in peace negotiations with the government.Įnjoying this article? Click here to subscribe for full access. Get briefed on the story of the week, and developing stories to watch across the Asia-Pacific. What did he mean by that statement? He could be referring to one of several things, with the controversial ‘war on drugs’ or the active recruitment of ISIS in the Muslim-dominated areas of Mindanao being the two most likely ones.Įqually important, Duterte’s comments also left out some important specifics that could have significance not only for the terror threat that international media outlets tend to focus on, but also the ongoing peace process in the Philippines. Most interestingly, when he was asked why he extended the scope of martial law in all Mindanao regions outside of Marawi, he responded that the terror threat should not be underestimated and that it was time to solve all problems in the island. In a move that sparked headlines around the world, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte placed the whole island of Mindanao under martial law in response to the attacks of a local terror group known as Maute, which is suspected of having ties with the Islamic State (ISIS). Duterte said he was forced to declare martial law in the country’s southernmost island following an outbreak of violence in some parts of Marawi City.īut as has been proven with other events in the Philippines, Duterte’s rhetoric attracted as much if not more attention than the reality on the ground.