Postwar era to Marawi Seige of Mindanao Philippines

Mindanao was peaceful and increasingly progressive in the postwar period, including the 1950s

and the mid-1960s. Ethnic tensions were minimal, and there was essentially no presence of

secessionists groups in Mindanao.[23]

Marcos era (1965–1986)[edit]

Main articles: Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos, Ilaga, Jabidah massacre, and Moro conflict

Under Ferdinand Marcos's administration, Christian groups began to settle in Mindanao,

displacing many locals. The population boom resulted in conflicts as the original owners sought

their ancestral land domains.[24][25]

The Marcos administration encouraged new settlers who had emigrated to Mindanao to form a

militia, which was eventually called the Ilaga. Anecdotal evidence states that the Ilaga often

committed human rights abuses by targeting the Moro and Lumad people, as well as attempting

to seize additional territory. It resulted in a lingering animosity between Moro and Christian

communities. Mistrust and a cycle of violence are still felt today due to the creation of the Ilaga.
[26][27]

The Jabidah massacre in 1968 is commonly cited as the major flashpoint that ignited the Moro

insurgency, and the ensuing ethnic tensions led to the formation of secessionist movements,
[28]
 such as the Muslim Independence Movement and the Bangsamoro Liberation Organization.

These movements were largely political in nature, but the prohibition of political parties after

Marcos' 1972 declaration of Martial Law led to the founding and dominance of armed groups

such as the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Moro Islamic Liberation

Front (MILF).[27] Ethnic conflicts continued to escalate, leading to incidents like the 1971 Manili

Massacre, the Pata Island Massacre, and the Palimbang massacre.[27]

Additionally, an economic crisis in late 1969 led to social unrest throughout the country, and

violent crackdowns on protests led to the radicalization of many students, [29] with some joining

the New People's Army, bringing the Communist rebellion to Mindanao.[23]

Fifth Republic (1986–present)[edit]

This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article

to reflect recent events or newly available information. (October

2019)

In March 2000 President Joseph Estrada declared an "All Out War" against the Moro Islamic

Liberation Front (MILF) after it committed a series of terrorist attacks on government buildings,

civilians, and foreigners. A number of livelihood intervention projects, from organisations such

as USAID and the Emergency Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), aided in the

reconstruction of areas affected by constant battles on the island.[30]

In December 2009, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo officially placed Maguindanao under a

state of martial law following the Maguindanao massacre.

Tropical Storm Sendong[edit]

Tropical storm Sendong (international name, Washi) made landfall on 15 December 2011 in

Mindanao. The recorded 24-hour rainfall in Lumbia station of PAGASA reached 180.9 mm,

causing the overflow of the Cagayan de Oro River. The storm killed 1,268 people, with 49

others listed as missing. Most of the casualties were from Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Those

who survived were rendered homeless, seeking shelter in evacuation centers.[31]

Marawi siege[edit]

Main article: Battle of Marawi

Lanao sultans making an open letter to Duterte urging for the quick resolution of the Marawi crisis

In May 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law on the entire island group of

Mindanao following the Marawi siege by the Maute terrorist group.[32] More than 180,000 people

were forced to evacuate Marawi City.[33] Around 165 security forces and 47 residents were

confirmed killed in the battle, although Marawi residents believe the number of civilians killed

was far higher. The official death toll in the five-month war is 1,109, most of which were

members of a militant alliance which drew fighters from radical factions of domestic Islamist

groups.[34]

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region