Marwai Issue in Philippines
Since 23 May 2017 the Philippine people, government, and the armed forces have been involved in a struggle and a battle against extremist forces in Marawi and adjoining areas. Extremist groups like the ISIS, its associated groups, Maute and extremist sections like Abu Salafi Jihadist groups have been causing a havoc and engaging in terrorist activities.
Since 2016, Maute group has established its stronghold in Lanao Del Sur and has been responsible for the 2016 Davo City bombings and two armed attacks on Butig and Lanao Del Sur. These cities are in the vicinity of Marawi. Initially, the Pilipino government denayed the presence of ISIS and claimed that these existing terrorist groups were independent and were trying to get recognized by ISIS. But over a period of time, this notion has been smashed and the presence of Islamic extremist group ISIS has been visible.
How did it arise?
The conflict arose when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were about to conduct raids in coordination with the Phillippine National Police in reference to the intelligence collected about some terrorist activity in the area. In the combing process, the team spotted Isnilon Hapilon who was the leader and recruiter of ISIS in the area. As per the reports he was also involved in activities along with terrorist groups like the Maute. A surgical strike was launched when the locals gave information about the presence of an armed group in their area.
Effects of this battle
Since the day counter-terrorism activity was begun the AFP has gained a lot of ground and re-established the rule of government in areas recently claimed and hoarded by the terrorist groups in a 26/11 Mumbai attack like situation. For the past 100+ days, the operations have been going on in Marwai city and adjoining areas. Even on the holy day of Eid al- Adha in an armed conflict 136 soldiers was mastered and 620 terrorists were neutralized.
Due to the disturbance in the region, 4,00,000 people have been displaced from their homes. As per the data released by the NDRRMC Operations Centre, 27,335 people (5,005 families) are staying in over 89 evacuation centres and around 4,42,981 people (98,846 families) have been forced to live in their friends/relatives’ homes. The government is also paying a huge price for this struggle in terms of money. Till now PHP 3 billion i.e. $58.8 million have been spent.
Current Situation
The current scenario is such that the AFP has pushed the enemies to the last stand and is preparing for one last big battle with an aim to permanently wipe out these terrorist groups holed up in the battle ridden city of Marawi for over 100 days.as per the reports still, 50-60 terrorist are in the vicinity and close quarter battles have been initiated to wipe them out. The counter-terrorism activity is not just confined to the ground but even in the air and water. The Philippine Air Force has been providing air support to the ground troops by bombing the high-rise defensive post of the terrorist. Even at sea, the Philippine Navy has been successful in closely knitted trilateral agreement with Indonesia and Malaysia to hold joint patrols and check the entry of armed militants to enter from the porous southern border of Philippines. The Armed Forces of Philippines has been successful in stopping several terrorists out to reinforce the remaining terrorist on the city.
The USA and Philippine forces have been working closely through Joint special Operations task Force-Philippines (JOSTFP) where the USA doesn’t intervene directly but provides advice and technical support to the AFP troops on the ground. With the vast experience of counter-terrorism activities in the city and close combat the USA special task force has been working closely with the Pilipino Command to eradicate the remaining terrorist.
India and its link to this incident
India has itself been plagued by militancy, terrorism and cross-border terrorism and thus shares the pain of Philippines. Recently in the mid-July India provided financial assistance to the Philippines worth Rs 3.2 crore ($500,000). The ad was aimed to provide relief and rehabilitation for the Pilipino people. The Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj expressed India’s sympathies and condolences for the loss of life in this battle. Such an aid is first of India to fight extremist groups.
With this aid, India is slowly expanding its global reach and acquiring a new role in global politics and activities. The unique aspects of this aid are that this was the first time that India supported another country financially to fight terrorism. Also, the contribution made by India was the largest financial help by any country to the Philippines. Also, India is actively facilitating cybersecurity exchange and training for Pilipino officials in deradicalizing citizens.
This is line with the ‘Act East’ policy which is an upgraded version of ‘Look East’ policy adopted in 1991. The current government has put India on a global platform in a fight against terrorism. Also with such help to ASEAN countries India is set to gain economically also as there is a huge potential for stronger economic relations with ASEAN countries.
