Indonesians in Philippines Urged to be Vigilant over Martial Law

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Indonesians living in the Philippines to remain vigilant following the imposition of martial law on Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines.

Director of Indonesian Citizens Protection of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lalu Muhammad Iqbal noted in a message received here, Wednesday, that although martial law has been imposed, the overall condition on Mindanao Island is normal while the clashes between the armed forces of Philippines and an armed rebel group are centered in Marawi City.

"Since several months, the Indonesian Embassy in Davao City had issued an advisory for Indonesians living in the southern Philippines to be more alert due to the security situation. The advisory has not been withdrawn," Iqbal stated.

On Tuesday evening, Filipino President Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao in response to the clashes in Marawi City that began on Tuesday afternoon.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana remarked that the fighting in Marawi City started on Tuesday afternoon, as the police and military were moving to serve a warrant of arrest on Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.

He said that members of the Maute Group occupied parts of Marawi City in response, as reported by the Philippines Star.

However, the martial law is expected to not pose a threat to the safety of seven Indonesian citizens who were kidnapped at the end of 2016 and early 2017 by the Abu Sayyaf armed group in the Philippines.

"So far, the seven hostages are in good condition. The communication lines remain open, and rescue efforts are ongoing," Iqbal added.

ANTARA