Skip to main content

The Battle of Marawi - the events that led to war

The Battle of Marawi - the events that led to war
Getting the facts to explain what's going on in Marawi City.

The 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 Islamic jihadist supremacist groups that started on 23 May 2017.

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. 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.

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. The group also occupied the main street and set fire to Saint Mary's Church, Ninoy Aquino School, and Dansalan College run by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP).


Who is the Maute Group?

The Maute group, also known as the Islamic State of Lanao, is a radical Islamist group composed of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas and some foreign fighters led by Abdullah Maute, the alleged founder of a Dawlah Islamiya, or Islamic state based in Lanao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines. The group figured in a clash with Philippine Army troops in February 2016 that ended with the capture of their headquarters in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

The group is thought to have over 100 members and were supplied with equipment by a foreign terrorist. They are said to be affiliated with Jemaah Islamiya, a Southeast Asian Islamist terrorist group.

The Maute group is regularly seen carrying black flags bearing the insignia of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Training manuals and other documents for militants under the Islamic State were recovered from their captured camp, indicating that the group may be trying to link up with ISIS.


The Marawi Siege

Firefights between government forces and militants began at approximately 2:00 in the afternoon of May 23, 2017. News reports said 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. The fighters allegedly replaced the Philippine flag hoisted in the hospital with the Black Standard used by the Islamic State group. A staff member of the hospital has later denied that this happened.

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

The whole city was put on lockdown as several buildings and houses were set ablaze by members of the Maute group. 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. Power and communication lines were also shut down due to the continued hostilities. Roads leading to Marawi were blocked by both government security forces and Maute militants.

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.

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. 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. 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. A police officer was also reported to have been murdered by the militants.


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

May 25
Fresh fighting took place near the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol in the Marawi city center. 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. 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. The Philippine military launched surgical air strikes in three villages where remnants of the group have been spotted.

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. 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.

May 26
At a press briefing in Davao City, AFP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla confirmed that foreign terrorists are fighting alongside the Maute group in Marawi. He said that of the 12 members of the Maute group killed during the latest firefight, half of them were foreigners. Padilla identified the foreign militants as Malaysians, Indonesian, Singaporean and another nationality.


Martial Law

Following the clash, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao (Proclamation No. 216) at 10:00 in the evening 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. (Source: Wikipedia)


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS POST?
Share your ideas by commenting.

Comments

Popular Posts

Max Out the Twist: McDonald’s Twister Fries are back for a limited time only

Comeback is real! Due to popular demand, the much-loved Twister Fries are back at McDonald’s – but it’s not going to stay for long, so it’s time to enjoy them before they are gone again. Starting July 1, McDonald’s is calling on everyone to “max out the twist,” that is, to make sure to get every opportunity to enjoy, while they can, the iconic Twister Fries that are distinct for their curly shape. The specially seasoned, golden, and crispy potato fries are beloved by fans. “There is always a clamor for McDonald’s to bring back the Twister Fries, which has been hugely popular whenever we include it in our menu. Now, it is back, and we encourage all Twister Fries fans to enjoy their favorite crispy golden curly fries during this limited-time release that comes with new pairings, new offers, and new moments,” says Ada Almendras-Lazaro, McDonald’s Philippines Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Almendras-Lazaro invites everyone...

What to do when you get a HIT on your NBI clearance

A "Hit" on your NBI clearance after your long queue at the NBI satellite office. UPDATED January 2020 Department of Justice (DOJ) Circular 017, or the multi-purpose clearance does  away with the usual separate applications for domestic employment, travel abroad, gun licensing and many others, thereby making it easier for people to obtain and use an NBI clearance. Are you applying for your NBI clearance? The National Bureau of Investigation office has stopped entertaining walk-ins after the implementation of the fully online application process for NBI clearance. The registration and appointment system for the NBI clearance are done online nationwide. Applicants may accomplish the application form at www.doj.gov.ph/nbi , www.nbi.gov.ph , and clearance.nbi.gov.ph . READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse After registering online, applicants may proceed to any of the NBI sites nationwide for the payment and biom...

Final call to grab Home Credit’s back-to-school gadget deals for as low as ₱16 per day until July 31

Take advantage of Sulit-Skwela 2025 before the promo ends and enjoy stress-free last-minute shopping with flexible installment plans with 0% interest and zero downpayment The back-to-school season is in full swing, and for many Filipino families, it’s crunch time for last-minute shopping. With school checklists still incomplete, essential gadgets for learning, and staying connected are now top priorities. Enjoy stress-free last-minute shopping with Home Credit Home Credit Philippines makes last-minute shopping easier with Sulit-Skwela 2025 deals. Get essential devices for as low as ₱16 per day or ₱469 per month through flexible installment plans of up to 24 months, with 0% interest and zero downpayment options. All it takes is one valid ID, with approval as fast as one minute. As a bonus, every laptop purchased under the Sulit-Skwela offer comes with FREE GFiber Prepaid UNLI internet. But hurry, time’s running out! Sulit-Skwela ...

How much is the penalty for 5 years late registration of motorcycles?

UPDATED December, 2020 Got late in your motorcycle registration renewal? Driving an unregistered motor vehicle carries with it a fine of P3,000 if apprehended by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officers and P10,000 if by LTO traffic personnel. Worse, if the non-registration exceeded one month, the vehicle will be impounded and released only once the vehicle has been registered and the corresponding fines and penalties have been paid. To help you prepare for your visit at the LTO, here's a brief guide on how much money you're going to spend on your motorcycle registration renewal. READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse What's covered in this guide? 1. LTO penalty formula by weeks 2. Sample computation (if 5 years late) 3. How to renew your motorcycle registration  - Requirements  - 5 step guide YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH:  Motorcycle Transfer of Ownership and Renewal of Registration ...

Bethel Insurance offers first-of-its-kind special premium refund on motor car insurance

Just like a house, owning a car is a lifetime investment. If you already own a car, you know that it requires special attention and care. You know that it spends most of its time driving on roads and is exposed to many risks and dangers. Which is why you get a motor insurance coverage.  A motor insurance coverage helps us recover financially from unforeseen events, such as car accidents or injuries and, at times, loss of life. In exchange for this coverage, we get our car insured and pays a premium to an insurance company.  In addition to the premium, it’s also important to consider the reputation of the insurer, the service it provides and the product it offers.  BETHEL GENERAL INSURANCE  Bethel General Insurance is a good choice for a motor insurance coverage. It is an affordable provider that gives excellent customer service to its clients.  Formerly the BF General Insurance Company, a well-established insurance company...

7-Eleven Day Celebrates its Annual Big Five-Day Birthday Blowout with up to 50% Discounts on over 400 items, Exciting e-Raffle Promo, and More

Birthdays only come once a year, and the Filipinos’ paboritong kapitbahay 7-Eleven makes sure they celebrate it with customers with a huge bang. The most-awaited 7-Eleven Day is fast approaching, and the convenience giant is going big with a five-day, record-breaking blowout packed with unbeatable deals, a laptop giveaway, plus two new concept stores in Bacolod City. Gear up to shop non-stop with over 400 items on sale. For five days straight—July 7 to 11—pantry goods, hygiene essentials, beverages, and more are up for grabs with Buy 1 Take 1 deals and 50% savings. Get that grocery list done stat to take first dibs on these finds while supplies last. From July 7 to 11, serial snackers, on-the-go commuters, workers, and students can get their hands on the bold, brain-freezing flavors of the Slurpee Mini slashed at P11. Invite a bestie for a coffee run too, because from July 9 to 11, customers can get two cups of City Cafe Iced Coffee for just...

POCO introduces the POCO F7: Where futuristic design meets exceptional power

POCO today unveiled the POCO F7, setting a new benchmark for flagship performance in its category. The POCO F7 is powered by the recently debuted Snapdragon®️ 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, bringing flagship-level power and efficiency to more users. POCO also introduces a bold new look to mark this evolution: the POCO F7 Cyber Silver Edition, which features a Snapdragon®️ logo on the back, symbolizing the fusion of explosive performance with expressive design. The launch is also highlighted by the debut of Rydr, POCO’s first-ever virtual avatar. Embodying speed, power, and intelligent action, Rydr reflects POCO’s ongoing pursuit of breakthrough performance and deeper engagement with the tech-savvy generation. “With the POCO F7, we’re advancing our commitment to redefine flagship performance by making it accessible to a wider audience. The launch of the POCO F7 Cyber Silver Edition, with its distinctive aesthetic, further embodies our vision ...

Pizza Hut unleashes heroic new flavors in epic team-up with DC Studios’ Superman

It’s time to suit up and don your capes as Pizza Hut brings you an irresistible offer featuring one of the most iconic superheroes of all time! As DC Studios’ Superman flies into theaters this summer, Pizza Hut Philippines has teamed up with Warner Bros. Pictures for a heroic flavor punch worthy of the Man of Steel himself. Introducing the bold new stars of Pizza Hut’s limited-time lineup: the Krypton Meat Supreme and Hawaiian Power Up Supreme, two supercharged pizzas created to celebrate the return of Superman to the big screen! The Hawaiian Power Up Supreme takes the beloved classic and powers it up with a flavor boost made for heroes. It is made with juicy diced ham, sweet pineapple bits, premium holiday ham, and melty mozzarella cheese, creating the perfect blend of savory and sweet that will have your tastebuds flying! Meanwhile, the Krypton Meat Supreme is an ultra-satisfying creation made with orange cheddar, beef, bacon bits, holi...

Madiskarte Moms, Ito na ang Back-to-School Hacks na Kailangan Niyo

There’s something exciting about seeing our kids step into the new school year: new books, new teachers, new friends, and new chances to grow. But let’s be honest: the back-to-school season doesn’t always feel like a fresh start. Kaya dito lumalabas ang pagiging madiskarte nating moms. We go full-on with our budgeting, trying to juggle all the expenses. But no matter how good you are at handling things, there are days that still get you thinking: Is there a smarter way to do this? How can I make things easier and more efficient for my child—and for me? The good news is you don’t need to figure it all out on your own. There’s a way to make all your expenses feel a lot lighter so you can focus on being present for your kids. At the end of the day, it’s not always about doing more; it’s about finding smarter, simpler diskarte that works for you and your family. So, if you’ve ever felt the pressure during this season, don’t worry! You’re not ...

A Taste of What’s to Come: New Dining Destinations Opening Soon at Alabang West Parade

Alabang West Parade continues to redefine the south’s gastronomic landscape as it welcomes an exceptional lineup of acclaimed dining concepts. Set to open later this year, these dining destinations will introduce distinct global flavors and elevated experiences to the South’s most exciting culinary address. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse A global icon in the world of fine dining, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse brings its celebrated USDA Prime dry-aged Black Angus steaks to Alabang. With its classic New York-style interiors and commitment to excellence, it’s set to deliver an unmatched steakhouse experience steeped in tradition and flavor. Mango Tree Blending elegance with authenticity, Mango Tree introduces a fresh take on Thai cuisine. Guests can expect a harmonious mix of timeless Thai favorites and modern culinary artistry, all served in this refined and contemporary space. Genki Sushi Genki Sushi brings its world-famous co...