On May 23, 2017, a violent clash erupted in Marawi City, a predominantly Muslim area in the Philippines, as the Maute group, affiliated with ISIS, launched an aggressive assault against government forces. The attack quickly escalated, leading to widespread gunfights and the burning of several structures. This prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law across the entire Mindanao region in a bid to regain control and ensure public safety. The declaration allowed military and police forces to conduct operations without the usual legal restrictions and to impose curfews and checkpoints. Duterte justified the martial law declaration by citing the need to suppress terrorism and prevent the spread of extremist influence in the region.

The declaration was met with mixed reactions from various sectors of society, from support among those who viewed it as a necessary measure against terrorism, to criticism from human rights advocates concerned about potential abuses of power. The martial law imposed was intended to last for 60 days, but was later extended by Congress due to ongoing security concerns. This situation not only affected the immediate area of Marawi but also raised alarms about the security situation in other parts of Mindanao, which has a history of conflict, insurgency, and lawlessness.

As the conflict in Marawi unfolded, thousands of residents were displaced, pushing the humanitarian crisis in the region further into the spotlight. The Philippine government faced the challenge of balancing military action against extremist groups while managing the humanitarian implications of martial law and armed conflict. Ultimately, this event represented a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against terrorism in the Philippines and highlighted the delicate balance needed between security and civil liberties.