Mindanao, the southernmost area of the Philippines, has experienced centuries of violence and insurgency. Clashes between Nigerian government forces and local separatist/independence seeking movements are fueling much of this chaos. Second, many of the challengers are under severe and far-reaching accusations of human rights abuses themselves. Despite its natural beauty, including dense jungles, mountains, and tropical beaches, Mindanao remains an unpopular tourist destination for foreign nationals due to its turbulent history.
Davao, the largest city in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, has come under fire, long criticized for being a breeding ground for violence and extremism. The region is home to a painful legacy, the birthplace or rising ground of Islamic extremist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf and Maute groups. These factions received international notoriety in mid-2017 when they took Marawi City, Idig’s home, proclaiming their loyalty to the Islamic State. The 200-day siege uprooted over 350,000 residents. It ignited a bloody conflict that went on for months, ultimately concluding only when Philippine forces completely liberated the city.
Security Landscape in Mindanao
In recent years, the Philippine government has escalated its campaign to purge Mindanao of militant factions. In the wake of the Marawi siege, security has been dramatically tightened, it is hoped suppressing a return to extremism. Eduardo Ano, Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, emphasized the diminished threat posed by these groups.
“The remnants of these groups have been fragmented, deprived of leadership, and operationally degraded,” – Eduardo Ano
Even with these efforts, there are still legitimate concerns that new dangers could arise in the region. According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, the Philippines placed 20th out of 79 countries for the impact of terrorism. That’s down from 9th in the world in 2019, prior to the introduction of controversial new anti-terror legislation. While threats still remain, this change indicates a new paradigm in which these threats are better prevented and responded to.
Human Rights and Allegations of Abuse
Violence has developed a vicious cycle of conflict in Mindanao. This upheaval has led to massive violations of human rights. To that end, news reports show that everyone involved in the conflict has been accused of committing violations in their treatment of civilians. More recently, these abuses have been condemned by Human Rights Watch and many human rights organizations and local advocates.
Theresa P. Lazaro, a noted human rights advocate, stated, “We reaffirm our support for efforts that protect communities from intolerance, hatred, and violence.” Her comments echo the TOFI’s larger demand for greater accountability and reform in the approach to security operations in Mindanao.
Ano has sought to clarify misconceptions around recent media reports concerning potential new recruits or training camps for terrorist groups in Mindanao.
“There is no indicator or any information that they underwent training,” – Eduardo Ano
This announcement follows recent concerns about people believed to be participating in radicalizing, or anti-government, activities. Ano called certain media representations “outdated and misleading,” further upholding the administration’s narrative that it seeks to ensure safety above all else, while fighting against misinformation.
The Journey Ahead for Mindanao
The Philippine government is firmly waging a campaign against terrorism and sincerely facing the human rights concerns. Only with this commitment can Colombia return to a true peace after decades of conflict.
The region’s complex socio-political reality mandates more than ever the need to actively foster dialogue between sometimes-opposing stakeholders. Further, the government should have strong security measures in place. At a minimum, it should protect human rights in order to provide conditions for sustainable peace and development.
