Terror in Philippines, Govt Calls on Indonesians to Remain Alert

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has called on Indonesian citizens in the Philippines to remain alerted after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law for Marawi in South Philippines.

Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, director for the protection of Indonesian nationals at the Foreign Ministry, said that the condition in Mindanao is generally stable and the war against terrorists is concentrated in Marawi. He added that there are not many Indonesians in Marawi.

“Over the last few months, the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao has called on Indonesians in South Philippines to remain alert regarding the situation. The call has not been revoked,” Iqbal said today, May 24.

Earlier on Tuesday evening, May 23, 2017, President Duterte declared the Martial Law in Mindanao following gunfights between the Philippine Military and an armed group in Marawi.

Local media reported that the gunfight occurred when police and soldiers carried out an order to arrest a leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group, Isnilon Hapilon. The Maute Group later attacked Marawi as a response to the order.

The Indonesian government hopes that the martial law will not affect the safety of seven Indonesians currently being held by Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines.

“So far, the seven hostages are in a good condition. Negotiations and efforts to free [the hostages] remain underway,” Iqbal said.

ANTARA