The Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City would like to advise all Malaysians who intend to travel to Maguindanao Province in the southern island of Mindanao, Philippines to postpone their plan for the time being following the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao Province by Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on 5 December 2009. The martial law is subject for review in 60 days.
2. The Government of Philippines had placed Maguindanao Province under military control to contain heavily armed militias belonging to the provincial governor following the massacre on 23 November 2009 of 57 innocent civilians who were in a convoy from Buluan town to Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao Province to file in the candidacy of Vice Mayor of Buluan town, Datu Esmael Mangudadatu to run as Governor of Maguindanao Province in next May Philippines’ general election. The victims of the massacre included the wife of Datu Esmael Mangudadatu, his two sisters and relatives as well as 31 accompanying journalists. The Vice Mayor was not in the convoy.
3. The Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City has able to contact all registered Malaysians in Mindanao and given them advice to defer any travelling plans to Maguindanao Province until further notice by the Consulate General. All Malaysians who are registered with the Consulate General are currently safe and have taken heed of the advice. Maguindanao Province is located about 400 kms west of Davao City, about 4 hours drive by road from Davao City. The Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City would continue to monitor the situation in Maguindanao Province through constant contacts with local authorities. The situation in other parts of Mindanao, including Davao City, remains calm and normal.
Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City
5 December 2009