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IMPACT – MEDIUM
President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law on the island of Mindanao after government forces clashed with armed militants.
Key points:
Background: Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines, and Davao City, in southeastern Mindanao, is the country’s largest city outside of Metropolitan Manilla. The island and the Sulu Archipelago to its west have long been security concerns. The U.S. State Department urged U.S. citizens in December of 2016 to avoid “all non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipelago and … to exercise extreme caution when traveling to the island of Mindanao, due to continued terrorist threats, insurgent activities, and kidnappings.” The U.K.’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office took note of the clashes Tuesday and advised “against all travel to western Mindanao,” saying those in affected areas should “remain indoors, monitor media reporting, and follow the advice of the Philippine authorities.”
BAL Analysis: Martial law on Mindanao is expected to last for at least 60 days. The immigration impacts are hard to predict, but it seems clear that significant portions of the island are not safe. Foreign nationals should seriously consider delaying nonessential travel to Mindanao until further notice. Those on Mindanao should exercise caution, especially in areas considered particularly dangerous. Companies with personnel on Mindanao should account for all their employees. U.S. citizens may wish to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that provides updated security information and allows Americans to register their trips abroad with the closest U.S. embassy or consulate.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact BerryApplemanLeiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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