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Siege of Marawi

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Marawi crisis
Part of the Moro conflict

Marawi located in Lanao del Sur, on the island of Mindanao
DateMay 23, 2017 (2017-05-23) – present
Location
Marawi, Lanao del Sur, Philippines
Status Ongoing* Martial law declared in the whole of Mindanao for 60 days* Government forces retake majority of areas previously occupied by militants[1]
Belligerents
 Philippines Maute group
Abu Sayyaf
Commanders and leaders
Rolando Joselito Bautista Isnilon Hapilon
(Abu Sayyaf)
Units involved

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Philippine National Police		 Unknown
Strength
unknown 100 in Marawi[2]
~500 at Camp Ranao[3]
Casualties and losses
11 soldiers killed,[4] 39 soldiers wounded
2 police officers killed[5]
1 security guard killed		 31 militants killed[6]
11 civilians killed[7]

The Marawi crisis, also known as Marawi clash[8][9] and Battle of Marawi, is an ongoing armed conflict in Marawi, Lanao del Sur between Philippine government security forces and militants of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups that started on 23 May 2017.[10]

The Philippine government claims that the clashes began when they launched an offensive in the city to capture Isnilon Hapilon of the Abu Sayyaf group, after receiving reports that Hapilon was in the city, possibly to meet with militants of the Maute group.[11][12] A deadly firefight erupted when Hapilon's forces opened fire at the combined Army and police teams and called for reinforcements from the Maute, an armed group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and who are believed to be responsible for the 2016 Davao City bombing, according to military spokesmen.[13]

Maute Group militants attacked Camp Ranao and occupied several buildings in the city, including Marawi City Hall, the Mindanao State University, a hospital and the city jail.[13] The group also occupied the main street and torched Saint Mary's Church, Ninoy Aquino School, and Dansalan College[11] run by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP).[14]

Background

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated that the fighting in Marawi was due to an operation conducted by the military in coordination with the Philippine National Police, contrary to earlier reports that the clash was initiated by the militant groups. Government security forces received reports that a group of Abu Sayyaf fighters led by Isnilon Hapilon were in Marawi to possibly meet with their Maute group counterparts.[12] The US Department of Justice has listed Hapilon as among the world's most wanted terrorists with a reward of up to US$5 million for his capture.[10]

Residents of Marawi reported the presence of an armed group within their locale and after the AFP verified the information, the military launched a "surgical operation."[12]

Engagement

May 23

Firefights between government forces and militants began at approximately 2:00 in the afternoon of May 23, 2017. The Peace and Conflict Journalism Network reported that the clash occurred in the Basak Malutlut area of the city as Hapilon's forces called for reinforcement from the Maute group. Maute fighters occupied the Amai Pakpak Hospital and ordered the PhilHealth employees out of the facility.[12] The fighters allegedly replaced the Philippine flag hoisted in the hospital with the Black Standard used by the Islamic State group.[15]

The 103rd Brigade of the Philippine Army stationed at Camp Ranao was attacked by at least 500 Maute group militants.[15] A number of militants were then seen waving their ISIS black flags as they roamed the streets of Marawi.[16]

The whole city was put on lockdown as several buildings and houses were set ablaze by members of the Maute group.[10] Dozens of gunmen occupied the Marawi City Hall as 107 inmates escaped from the Marawi City Jail and the Malabang District Jail 39 after the Maute attacks.[10] Power and communication lines were also shut down due to the continued hostilities.[17] Roads leading to Marawi were blocked by both government security forces and Maute militants.[12]

Civilians were reported to have been abducted by the Maute group, including a priest and several parishioners of the Cathedral of Our Lady Help of Christians as the group demanded that the government stop its offensive against them.[18]

The clashes sparked a mass evacuation of the city with residents fleeing by the thousands, causing traffic congestion on the highway to Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.[19] At least eleven civilians have been killed in the ongoing firefight, two of which the Lanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Office identified as ambulance drivers who were stopped by Maute militants while responding to an emergency call.[7][20] Nine of those civilians were on board a truck when they were stopped by Maute militants at a checkpoint and shot dead with their hands tied.[21][22] A police officer was also reported to have been beheaded by the militants.[7]

May 24

On May 24, additional government forces arrived at the Laguindingan Airport as the military regained control of the Amai Pakpak Hospital.[20] 120 civilians used as a human shield by the Maute group were rescued from the hospital.[10] Government troops also rescued Wednesday at least 42 teachers who were trapped inside a building during an attack by Maute terrorists.[9] The Philippine military has also recaptured the city hall and the Mindanao State University.[23]

May 25

On May 25, fresh fighting took place near the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol in the Marawi city center.[23] Black-clad Maute and Abu Sayyaf militants were still spotted in the city's major roads and bridges. The militants also reportedly took control of the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative in Gadungan village.[23] The AFP said there were still 30 to 40 remaining members of the Maute group in the city and that Isnilon Hapilon remained in Marawi.[24] The Philippine military launched surgical air strikes in three villages where remnants of the group have been spotted.[24]

Reports came in that two Malaysian terrorists who were with Isnilon Hapilon in Marawi to push for the creation of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia were among those militants killed late Thursday. Intelligence sources also said that an Indonesian and a Saudi Arabian linked to ISIS were also killed in skirmishes in the city.[25] The AFP said that 26 members of the Maute group have been killed, leaving the remaining terrorists in the area at around 25. Herrera also said 39 members of the government forces have been wounded in action.[26]

Government response

See also: Proclamation No. 216

Following the clash, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao at 10:00 in the evening (UTC+8) of 23 May 2017. As per the 1987 Constitution, the state of martial law will initially last for 60 days. President Duterte also decided to shorten his diplomatic visit to Russia.[27]

Vice President Leni Robredo called for unity as government troops continue to engage in a firefight against a local terrorist group in Marawi.[28]

Reaction

see also Reaction to Declaration of Martial Law

Social media

Reactions to the declaration of martial law were mixed on social media.[29] Prayers flooded social media amid reports of local terror group Maute's takeover and burning of public and private facilities in Marawi, Tuesday afternoon with the hashtag #PrayForMarawi trending on social media.[30] Amidst unconfirmed reports of beheading and kidnapping, PNP spokesman Dionardo Carlos appealed in a press briefing addressed to the public to limit "to what they know what they see" in making posts relevant to the Marawi incident in social media.[31] Numerous Filipino TV personalities have expressed their reactions to the ongoing clash between the government forces and the Maute terror groups in Mindanao. Some Pinoy celebrities also called for unity despite the division in political alliances.[32]

Religious sectors

The president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Wednesday asked for prayers after Maute terrorists took a priest and some parishioners hostage in Marawi. The CBCP President also asked the government forces to "make the safety of the hostages a primordial consideration" while ensuring that the law is upheld.[33]

The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy condemned the acts of the militant groups saying that their acts were contrary to the teachings of Islam. The Muslim group noted that the incident occurred at the time when Muslims were preparing for Ramadan, which according to them made the acts of the militants more heinous.[34]

International

Malaysia began to tighten its border with the Philippines shortly after the President announced martial law. The country Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said they had “taken precautions, and are always beware of what is happening in neighbouring Philippines”.[35]

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to the victims of the Marawi attacks as President Duterte cut short his state visit in Moscow. During their bilateral meeting at the Kremlin, Putin told Duterte that "my colleagues and myself definitely understand quite well that you do have to come back to return to your motherland" and expressed hope that the conflict "will be resolved as soon as possible and with minimal losses and casualties."[36]

The British government warned its nationals to avoid traveling to western Mindanao, including Marawi where clashes are still ongoing between government troops and Maute group terrorists.[37]

References

  1. ^ Pareño, Romel (May 26, 2017). "WestMinCom: Maute militants isolated". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  2. ^ Marcelo, Ver (24 May 2017). "AFP chief: 1 cop killed, 8 troopers wounded in Marawi clash". CNN Philippines. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  3. ^ Marcelo, Ver (2017-05-23). "Gov't forces, Maute group clash in Marawi City". CNN Philippines. Retrieved 2017-05-25.
  4. ^ News, Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN. "Gunfire erupts at Marawi Army Camp". Retrieved 25 May 2017. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ "13 Maute fighters dead in clashes with gov't in Marawi City: AFP". ABS-CBN News. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  6. ^ http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/25/17/31-maute-group-members-killed-in-marawi-gunbattles-afp-says
  7. ^ a b c Mallari, M.J. (25 May 2017). "Police chief beheaded, 5 soldiers slain in clash". The Daily Tribune. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  8. ^ "Marawi Clash: Special coverage". Rappler. 25 May 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  9. ^ a b Zambrano, Chiara (24 May 2017). "Military rescues 42 teachers trapped during Marawi clash". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  10. ^ a b c d e "Marawi crisis: What we know so far". The Philippine Star. 25 May 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  11. ^ a b "TIMELINE: Maute attack in Marawi City". ABS-CBN News. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  12. ^ a b c d e Morallo, Audrey (23 May 2017). "AFP: Marawi clashes part of security operation, not terrorist attack". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  13. ^ a b Nery, J. (24 May 2017). "Key facts about a tumultuous Tuesday in Marawi City". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  14. ^ "UCCP Statement on the Burning of Dansalan College". Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  15. ^ a b Marcelo, Ver (23 May 2017). "Gov't forces, Maute group clash in Marawi City". CNN Philippines. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  16. ^ "Maute Group waves ISIS black flag on Marawi streets". Rappler. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  17. ^ Fernandez, E.O. (23 May 2017). "WE'RE NOT OK: Marawi mayor, residents confirm fires in city, blackout, gunfire". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  18. ^ "CATHEDRAL TORCHED Maute group holds hostage Marawi priest, several parishioners —bishop". GMA News. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  19. ^ Lagsa, B. (24 May 2017). "Thousands flee Marawi to eacape clashes". Rappler. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  20. ^ a b Gagalac, R. (24 May 2017). "At least 2 civilians dead in Marawi attack". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  21. ^ Bajo, A.F. (24 May 2017). "Maute group ties up, shoots dead 9 civilians in Marawi". GMA News. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  22. ^ "9 na sibilyan na napadaan sa checkpoint ng Maute sa Marawi, brutal na pinatay" [9 civilians which passed by a Maute checkpoint were brutally killed]. GMA News (in Filipino). Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  23. ^ a b c Zambrano, C. (25 May 2017). "Fighting reignites in Marawi". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  24. ^ a b "AFP launches surgical air strikes to flush out Maute group in Marawi City". ABS-CBN News. 25 May 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  25. ^ Vanar, M. (25 May 2017). "Two Malaysians killed in Marawi City battle". The Star (Malaysia). Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  26. ^ http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/26/AFP-Marawi-clearing-operations.html
  27. ^ Morales, Yvette (24 May 2017). "Duterte declares martial law in Mindana". CNN Philippines. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  28. ^ "Leni calls for unity amid Marawi siege". ABS-CBN News. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  29. ^ "Netizens terrified or trusting of martial law in Mindanao". Rappler.com. 2017-05-14. Retrieved 2017-05-25.
  30. ^ "#PrayForMarawi trends on social media". CNN Philippines. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  31. ^ Cupin, Bea (24 May 2017). "PNP: Limit Marawi posts to 'what you know, what you see'". Rappler. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  32. ^ Nelz, Jay Nelz (24 May 2017). "Pinoy Celebrities React To Ongoing Marawi City Clash". Philippine News. PhilNews.ph. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  33. ^ ISIS ally in Philippines storms Catholic cathedral, takes hostages Catholic News Agency May 24, 2017
  34. ^ "MILF condemns terror attack in Marawi". ABS-CBN News. 25 May 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  35. ^ "Malaysia to tighten borders after Duterte announces martial law: Report". Today Online. 25 May 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  36. ^ Macas, T. (24 May 2017). "Putin condoles with Marawi clash victims". GMA News. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  37. ^ "UK warns vs travel to Marawi City, rest of western Mindanao | ABS-CBN News". News.abs-cbn.com. 2017-05-24. Retrieved 2017-05-25.

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