Philippines martial law likely to be extended

Significance

Proclamation 216 was made after Islamic State (IS)-linked Maute group militants attacked and occupied Marawi City on May 23. The president also suspended habeas corpus in Mindanao on May 24.

Impacts

• Extending martial law in Mindanao would likely see further communist guerrilla attacks.
• Philippine security links with Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and the United States will deepen.
• Appeals against the Supreme Court's decision could be lodged but are unlikely to work.
• The military will gain increased political influence through martial law.