MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has lifted the State of National Emergency in Mindanao due to lawless violence declared during the previous administration, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.
The PCO, in a statement on Thursday, said that through Proclamation No. 298, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin last Tuesday, Marcos lifted Proclamation No. 55 (placing Mindanao in a State of National Emergency) issued by former president Rodrigo Duterte in September 2016.
“Through successful focused military and law enforcement operations and programs that promote sustainable and inclusive peace, the government has made significant gains in improving and restoring peace and order in the region,” the proclamation stated.
“The lifting of Proclamation No. 55 (s. 2016) will boost economic activity and hasten the recovery of the local economy,” it added.
Duterte issued Proclamation No. 55 in view of the lawlessness in the region, as several private armies, local warlords, and even terrorist groups and religious extremists threatened parts of Mindanao.
The following year, Islamic State sympathizers laid siege on Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, sparking a five-month battle with government forces.