Philippines – Martial Law Declared in Mindanao

Local sources have reported that the Philippine government has declared Martial Law for an initial period of 60 days on the southern island of Mindanao, effective from 23 May 2017.

P&I correspondents have issued a circular to all international shipping that regularly calls at ports in Mindanao for:

• Loading nickel ore in Surigao, Tubay and Tawi-Tawi
• Loading general cargo, fruit and palm oil from Davao
• Discharging general cargo and loading palm oil at General Santos
• Loading general cargo Zamboanga
• Loading Bulk Iron Ore at Villanueva
• Loading Sinter Ore at Cagayan De Oro

The island of Mindanao remains extremely volatile and Members are therefore recommended to consider taking the following steps:

• Cancel all crew shore leave
• Brief all crew on the potential hazards and threats
• Exercise a heightened level of vigilance when in port
• Maintain security levels to appropriate ISPS level
• Restrict all access to the vessel, store rooms, accommodation and machinery spaces
• Record all observations and movements within the Ship’s Security Logbook
• Engine Room to remain manned and engines ready for use at short notice

Ship’s Masters should liaise closely with their appointed agents and/or P&I correspondents for the latest information, which may change at short notice.

A copy of the Circular is attached.