Strife-torn Mindanao is again the focus of a deadly military operation. A rampage by Muslim extremists in Marawi City has prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to impose martial law in the entire island of Mindanao, possibly setting back again the island’s economic development.
It may be too early to tell the impact of martial law on Mindanao’s economy, but the military rule will likely scare away foreign investors in the initial stage, until the government restores order and eliminates the threat from ISIS and other Islamist militants.
Extreme poverty and government neglect are the main causes of disenchantment in Mindanao, with some of the population becoming sympathetic to the bandit Abu Sayyaf group and Muslim rebel forces. Jobs and livelihood are scarce for the most part of the island, with economic progress confined to the few urban centers.
The Muslim rebellion, kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf and lately the ISIS threat have virtually turned isolated parts of Mindanao into a no man’s land. Major industries and businessmen face the constant risk of terrorism and the deteriorating peace and order situation. The rate of return on investment, in other words, is low unless the business is situated in the calmer parts of Mindanao.
President Duterte, in imposing martial rule on the island, must seize this window of opportunity to finally make a dent in the island’s economic development. For starters, he should now pursue an aggressive infrastructure program in Mindanao, starting with roads and bridges to give market access to farmers and fishermen.
Inadequate infrastructure has discouraged local and foreign investors from setting up their business in the Philippines, much less in conflict areas like Mindanao.
But government intervention through the construction of more ports, airports, storage facilities and rail networks will spur the generation of jobs and give the private sector the opportunity to locate their businesses in Mindanao. Mindanao needs an economic boom to eventually resolve the conflict in the island. That should be President Duterte’s only goal in imposing martial law.
