QuestionsQuestions (PROCLAMATION NO. 298)
It lifts the State of National Emergency in Mindanao that was previously declared under Proclamation No. 55 (s. 2016, on account of lawless violence), effective immediately.
Proclamation No. 55 dated 04 September 2016 declared a State of National Emergency in Mindanao due to lawless violence attributed to private armies and local warlords, bandits, criminal syndicates, terrorist groups, and religious extremists.
The proclamation states that through successful focused military and law enforcement operations and programs promoting sustainable and inclusive peace, conditions have been significantly mitigated or reduced.
It asserts that lifting Proclamation No. 55 will boost economic activity and hasten recovery of the local economy.
It provides that the lifting of the state of national emergency is effective immediately.
It indicates that the President’s action is grounded on constitutional authority and statutes governing emergency declarations and their lifting.
Private armies and local warlords, bandits, criminal syndicates, terrorist groups, and religious extremists across Mindanao.
It cites successful focused military and law enforcement operations and programs promoting sustainable and inclusive peace.
It is binding because it states: “do hereby lift the state of national emergency… effective immediately,” which is an operative directive, not a suggestion.
It implies that emergency measures were necessary to address violent threats, but that peace initiatives have progressed enough to allow normalization of governance and conditions.
It does not restate the exact provinces/areas covered; it broadly references “Mindanao” and the prior proclamation. Students should recognize that interpretation may require looking at the coverage stated in Proclamation No. 55 (s. 2016).
It suggests that the lifting is contingent on a change in circumstances; legal assessment may focus on whether the factual basis for mitigation/reduction is sufficiently established.
The Executive Secretary, Lucas P. Bersamin, signs “By the President,” indicating administrative signing/attestation for the President’s issuance.