The imposition of martial law in the southern region of Mindanao in the Philippines has raised concerns over security, human rights and vigilantism.
Tens of thousands of people have fled the fighting that is raging in Marawi, one of the biggest Muslim-majority cities in the mainly Catholic country. Martial law was imposed hours after gunmen loyal to Daesh (the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) rampaged through the city, following a raid on one of their safe houses.
The fighting erupted on Tuesday after security forces raided a house where they believed Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf gang and Philippines’ head of Daesh, was hiding. The United States regards Hapilon as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists, offering a bounty of $5 million (Dh18.39 million) for his capture. The raid went wrong as dozens of gunmen repelled the security forces and then spread across the city while flying Daesh flags. Officials said the militants had also planted bombs in the streets and were holding hostages. They occupied higher ground in the city, enabling them to slow down or stop assaults from the security forces.
While the intention of clamping down on Mindanao is to drive out the militants and clean up the place, the danger of vigilantism is always there. President Rodrigo Duterte is now tasked with the dual responsibility of upholding the law and at the same time looking after the people. The armed forces must take special care to ensure that civilians are not caught in the crossfire.
Also, there has been talk of extending martial law across the country if the threat of terrorism is seen to have spread. This poses more dangers to the people. Add to this statements by the Philippines military that it would censor the press and social media to protect “national security” across the southern third of the country that is under martial law. The military said this would be done to ensure the safety of lives, for operational security and to ensure the safety of men in uniform who are fighting. Social media will be subject to censorship and people have been warned against posting material that breached the conditions.
While tackling the scourge of terrorism, Duterte will have to make sure that the lives of common people are not affected drastically. As President, he must assure the people of protection even as battles rage against extremists. Only then will he have the support of those who matter most — the masses.
