Mindanao is an area with the most complicated conflict that has ruined the stability of the whole region for decades. The Marawi siege in 2017 lead to the reeruption of the conflict in the southern Philippines which affected the country and regional states. This thesis intends to explain the process and challenges of Philippines’s preventive diplomacy especially after the “Battle of Marawi” in 2017. This thesis applies the methods of qualitative research and a case study approach. The main purpose of this research is to apply the concept of preventive diplomacy of the Philippines during the Marwari crisis in 2017. Since the Mindanao is dynamic with numerous actors, the GRP’s approach moved between negotiations and armed forces to end the conflict. In conducting its preventive diplomacy, Philippines utilizes military operations and quiet diplomacy. Therefore, the Philippines grant access for international and regional assistance to reach a resolution to the conflict in the southern Philippines by negotiations and third-party mediation first from OIC, Indonesia, Malaysia, and non- governmental organizations (NGOs) in favor of the peace process. Moreover, the government of the Philippines waged military operations against terrorism and terrorists within the country as Abu Sayyaf, the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and "IS" in Marawi. Philippines is facing Philippines many problems in the way of the peace as terrorism and fragmented clans in the peace talks. Although of many challenges, Philippines preventive diplomacy is considered successful in facing the Marawi crisis, and signing agreements, as the lack of regional support and sustainability. The purpose of preventive diplomacy is to reach a peace agreement and give up arms, although it needs time to achieve its goals.

Keywords: Preventive Diplomacy, conflict resolution, conflict, terrorism, quiet diplomacy, Philippines, Mindanao.