216 was the 2017 proclamation of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao amid clashes between government forces and Maute group terrorists in Marawi,[1] issued by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on May 23, 2017.

The state of martial law was extended thrice by Congress at the request of Duterte, citing necessity to quell hostile activities perpetrated by terrorist groups,[2] and ended with the third extension lapsing on December 31, 2019.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the declaration was possible given the "existence of rebellion," while Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano explained that the step was taken with "the safety, the lives and property of people of Mindanao" in mind.

[5] Implementation is to be pursuant to the 1987 Constitution, which provides for a maximum 60-day-state of martial law without Congress approval for extension, the continuation of government functions, and the safeguard of individual freedoms.

[9] On July 23, 2017, lawmakers voted 261–18 (with no abstention among those present) in favor of the President Rodrigo Duterte's request to give extension to Proclamation Order No.

[10] Under the Constitution, the President can declare martial law for an initial period of 60 days and ask for its extension in case of rebellion, invasion or when public safety requires it.

[22] Dissenting opinion by Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen stated that the re-extension of martial law "enables the rise of an emboldened authoritarian.

"[23] During a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives on December 12, 2018, Congress voted to grant a third extension of martial law in Mindanao until end of 2019 upon the request of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"[28] President Duterte's declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao region was met with polarized views from the citizens with some reports indicating mixed reactions.

Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Bam Aquino, on the other hand, questioned President Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

[31] On May 30, 2017, the majority bloc of the Senate adopted a resolution expressing support for President Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao, saying that the proclamation is required for public safety while at the same time clarifying the operation of the 1987 Constitution.

"[34][35] Ozamis Archbishop Martin Jumoad supports the declaration of martial law, but believes that there should be a "mechanism" to ensure that the implementation would not violate human rights.

[37] A group of lawyers from the Philippine Muslim Society planned to oppose before the Supreme Court the president's declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

BPI Securities research head Haj Narvaez told Cathy Yang on ANC's Market Edge that the incident caused uncertainties that had investors making more conservative decisions.

"[40] Amid fighting in Marawi and fears of martial law, numerous overseas tourists cancelled hotel and resort bookings in the Visayas region.

[41] The Department of National Defense issued a guidance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its attached bureaus regarding the proper implementation of martial law in Mindanao.

[42]Any arrest, search and seizure executed or implemented in the area or place where Martial Law is effective, including the filing of charges, should comply with the Revised Rules of Court and applicable jurisprudence.

[43] On Friday, May 26, 2017, the Armed Forces of the Philippines stated that it would censor the press and social media to ensure security across Mindanao, and warned that violators would be arrested.

"Pag naka-rape ka ng tatlo, aminin ko na akin iyon," (If you were to rape three, I'll admit that it was mine) according to Duterte.

)[57][58][59] On May 31, 2017, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) released a cartoon video with the hashtag #DefendRepublic promoting Martial Law on the Internet via its official Twitter and Facebook accounts.

[60][61] In it, a fearful boy is seen holding a shield with the words "Martial Law" inscribed on it, as silhouettes of professional-looking soldiers labeled "Extremist" march upon him, while a voiceover narrates:[62] In the free society, there are groups who don't want to give independence.

[63][64]The video was derided by netizens[65] and senators due to its content, grammar and poor graphics and message that Martial Law should be treated as "the new normal", as well as for being a waste of taxpayer money.

[69] Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana warned the New People's Army not to get involved with the Marawi crisis as he reiterated that the implementation of martial law in Mindanao will not target local communists.

He urged the communists not to force the government's hand and to immediately stop all illegal activities and abide by the true spirit of the peace process.