United States Embassy Manila, Philippines Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Mindanao Security Situation May 24, 2017 THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE EMBASSY WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO U.S. CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD. The U.S. Embassy cautions U.S. citizens that there is an ongoing conflict between terrorist groups and Philippine Security Forces in Marawi City, Mindanao. Media reports suggest that there are multiple dead and injured. On May 23, 2017, the Philippine government declared martial law throughout the Mindanao region for 60 days. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been placed on high alert. The U.S. Embassy has temporarily suspended Mission personnel travel to Mindanao pending a better understanding of the threat environment. While the U.S. Embassy has no information that the events in Marawi City represent a direct threat to U.S. citizens or U.S. interests in the Philippines, we encourage U.S. citizens to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times. The U.S. Embassy wishes to remind U.S. citizens of the most recent Worldwide Caution, dated March 6, 2017, which indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines. Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems–including airlines, and other public venues where large crowds gather. Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses and popular restaurants have also been targets. U.S. citizens should be mindful of the importance of taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines.
MANILA (Updated) -- President Rodrigo Duterte floated Wednesday the possibility of declaring martial law, not just in Mindanao, but in the entire country. Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Manila from his Russia trip, Duterte said he will not hesitate to declare martial law all throughout the country if the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) also contaminates Luzon and Visayas. "The hardest thing to deal with would be the arrival of Isis in the country and it has come to pass. And that is there is really war going on. Government must put an end to this," Duterte said. He said he might declare martial law in the Visayas, as it is just a "walking distance" from Mindanao, the stronghold of the local terror group Maute and Abu Sayyaf. "With many islands, they (Isis) can escape there," he said. He added that the writ of habeas corpus may also be suspended in the Visayas region, but assured that he will not allow abuses. Suspending the writ of habeas corpus means that the government can arrest and imprison anyone without charges or trial. Read more: Duterte may expand martial law to Visayas, Luzon
....and there ya go. Great f'n logic. (I wish he would try to "walk" from Mindanao to the Visayas.) I would say, "hey, at least there are only 5 more years left of him."......but dictators typically don't just hand over power.
FAST FACTS: What you should know about the Maute Group Maute Group waves ISIS black flag on Marawi streets Troops clash with terror groups in Marawi City Marawi bishop: Priest, 4 others held hostage by Maute
Within the concerns for personal safety we must all make space for thinking of those who have been kidnapped and the terror they must be feeling. We can all pray or just think about them if that is our way.
Only problem with his definition is that it is not only used for military purposes in the Philippines. In the Philippines it has historically been used more for political reasons and as a grab for power. Opposition to the people/person in power are arrested and/or "disappeared". What should be used in the Philippines is the "state of emergency" in specific areas. When the specific emergency is over it/dealt with it should immediately be lifted. Martial law should be outright illegal in the Philippines considering their dark history with it.