It was hoped the defeat of Abu Sayyaf and their Maute allies in Marawi in October 2017 would extinguish the threat of Islamist militancy in the Philippines. Three years later, ISIS-affiliated groups remain active.

The president’s supporters maintain the law is necessary for combating terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf. Detractors worry that it could further chip away at the foundation of the Philippines’ democratic character.

The longer Marawi is left in ruins, the higher the chance that history could repeat itself.

ISIS claims responsibility in the latest Philippines bombing, Trump’s coal renaissance crumbles in the United States, and a generous pre-election budget expected in India.

Do recent attacks from Abu Sayyaf indicate a resurgent campaign, or are they a desperate cry for attention as the once-powerful militant group fades into irrelevance?