The Philippines president Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao Island on May 23th 2017.

The martial law was declared because there was a gunfight between the government army and IS follower Maute in Mindanao Marawi City. Mindanao Island is a place where predominantly Muslims live. However, they were pushed to the edge when it became an American colony and Christians came in. This made religious conflict in Mindanao Island common.

As part of this conflict on the 23rd, the fighting between government troops and Islamic rebels took place again in Marawi City, Mindanao Island.

The president Duterte said the martial law
 could be expand if IS threats spread.
In response, opposition groups and human rights organizations are increasingly voicing their view that human rights can be violated. When martial law is triggered, martial law forces and police can arrest and detain suspects without warrants. This means polices can arrest citizens by force even if they are not Islamic rebels.

“Karapatan”, the Philippine Human Rights Organizations opposed the president's declaration of martial law and said “The martial law is not the answer, and it will eventually lead to massive violations of human rights.” 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea issued trip alerts and warnings to some parts of the Philippines. Korean tourist are advised to not enter these areas.