PLEASE NOTE: Daily posting and “Answers” emails will end for the school year on Friday, May 26th.
Check the website during the summer for occasional posts.

1. a) What is the population of the Philippines?
b) What is the religious breakdown of the Philippines?

2. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

3. What is the Maute group?

4. Who is Isnilon Hapilon? Be specific.

5. What is the Abu Sayyaf group?

6. What did Islamic State aligned fighters do after a botched police attempt to arrest terrorist Isnilon Hapilon in the Philippine city of Marawi?

7. a) Filipino president Rodrigo Duterte cut short a trip to Russia upon learning of the attacks in the city. What action did he immediately take?
b) What statements did President Duterte make about martial law and the how the government will deal with Islamic extremists?

8. Critics say Duterte’s action is an overreaction. Ask a parent:
a) What do you know about President Duterte?
b) During former dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ rule, the Philippine people lived under martial law for 14 years. The new constitution allows for 60 days of martial law. (See “Background” below for the text.) Based on what you have read about how Duterte governs, do you think his decision to deal with Islamic terrorists is an overreaction or the right way to handle this crisis? Please explain your answer.
c) What is the purpose of martial law? Do you think this is a case where it should be used?