ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS
INTRODUCTION
Mindanao, which is the second largest island in the country, is the home of
different ethno- inguistic Muslim inhabitants. These include the Maguindanao, Maranao,
Tausog, Iranon, Samal, Yakan, Jama, Mabun, Palawan, Kalagan, Kalibugan, Badjao,
Sangil and Molbog. Other ethnic minorities such as the Ata, Bagobo, Subanon,
Mansaka, Mandaya, Manobo, Tiruray, B’laan, T’boli, Aromanon and Dibabawon, to
name a few, also occupied the island of Mindanao long before the American and
Spaniards embrarked on a colonization policy.
The continuing conflict in Mindanao today may be described as a legacy of
colonial days. To recall, the Spaniards and even the Americans tried but failed to
conquer Mindanao due to strong resistance of the Muslim people. The persistent Moro
attacks on Spanish colonies and towns in Luzon and Visayas as a result of the latter’s
invasion of Jolo, Sulu in 1578 and 1596 in Maguindanao had checked the Spaniards
from colonizing Mindanao. Thus, the Muslims remained free and independent people
during the 377 years of Spanish attempt to colonize and subjugate them.
Like their forbears who responded against Spanish agression in their homeland
by waging periodic attacks on Spanish colonies and towns in the north, the Muslims
regarded their “attacks” as tolerated by Islam under the concept of “JIHAD” in the 70’s
following the influx of Filipino settlers from Luzon and Visayas.
Incidents associated with military deployment and secessionist rebellion in
Mindanao have been reported with accompaniment of loss of lives and properties and
displacement of indigenous inhabitants from their ancestral domain and traditional
landholdings. The scenario speaks of the seriousness of the armed conflict for a span of
over three centuries since colonial days to the present.
To the Bangsamoro people, the government has created a condition that give
justification to their Bangsamoro struggle for decolonization of their homeland. As MILF
Chairman Hashim SALAMAT points out, the Bangsamoros and the Christian Filipinos
can hardly co-exist due to differences in religion and deep-seated animosities nurtured
by colonial experience which sought to divide the entire inhabitants of the country under
colonial rule.
To date, the secessionist problem posed by the Bangsamoro people and the
militarization in Mindanao may be disastrous and catastrophic if peace is not achieved
through a peaceful, just and political settlement.
HISTORY OF THE SECESSIONIST MOVEMENT
The secessionist and independent aspirations of the Filipino Moslems in Mindanao was
strongly manifested in late 1960’s with the formation of the Muslim Independence
Movement, which was later renamed as Mindanao Independence Movement. The
young turks of the movement distanced themselves from the old guards and formed the
MNLF. The armed secessionist struggle began shortly after Martial Law was declared
and peaked in the mid-70’s.
When Marial Law was imposed on September 21, 1972, and with it the firearms
ban, the ideologies found it most opportune to mount the program for open rebellion and
insurrection. They capitalized on a propaganda line based on the issue of religious
suppression and soon the movement gained mass support and momentum as the
fighting went on.
Muslims view the present struggle for an independent state only as a
continuation of their long resistance against foreign invaders which they believed as
attempts to destroy the religious, cultural, political and economic foundations of their
society and also a struggle for the right to live according to their own set of values and
customs.
MORO NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT (MNLF)
The MNLF was formed on 18 March 1968 at the height of the Jabidah Massacre
when some young members of the Muslim Independence Movement (MIM) underwent
guerilla warfare training in Pulao Pangkor, Sabah, Malaysia. From these trainess, led
by Nuruladji “Nur” MISUARI emerged the nuclues of the MNLF. Its primary assertion
was the establishment of an Independent Muslims state in Mindanao. With the on set of
formal negotiations with the government in 1992, the MNLF found it fit instead to opt for
Regional Autonomy as provided for in the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.
The interest given by the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to the
problem in Mindanao in 1973 gave the MNLF political and moral support which led to
the signing of the Tripoli Agreement on December 1976 in Tripoli, Libya.
The Tripoli Agreement outines the grant of autonomy in the thirteen (13)
provinces of Mindanao including Palawan.
Among the provisions embodied in the said agreement are:
a. the integration of the MNLF armed units to the AFP and the
creation of Special Regional Security Force for the Autonomous
Region;
b. setting-up of an elected legislative assembly and executive council
for the Region;
c. declaration of ceasefire in Mindanao after the signing of the said
agreement;
d. adoption of judicial, educational and administrative systems for
Muslims in the south;
e. the adoption of financial and economic systems for the
Autonomous Region;
f. channelling to the region of a certain percentage of the revenues
derived from the mines and mineral resources found in the Autonomous Region.
The signing of the GRP-MNLF peace agreement on 02 September 1996 paved
the way for the following developments: a Special Zone of Peace and Development
(SZOPAD) and the Southern Philippine Council for Peace and Development (SPCPD)
were created; MISUARI was elected as ARMM governor and appointed as SPCPD
Chairman; government agencies were formed to assist the SPCPD in its development
thrust; MISUARI has been going on trips abroad getting pledges of financial support
and invesments from OIC member state as well as big foreign businesses; and, the
MNLF integration process has started.
With the signing of the GRP-MNLF peace accord, the MNLF has started to
participate in mainstream society. In this transition period, it is expected that MISUARI
and other former MNLF leaders will encounter difficulties in governance and
administration of peace and development programs in the area.
This, however, is viewed part of the process as MISUARI gradually shifts from
being a revolutionary leader to a government official. Despite opposition from other
sectors and problems in terms of finances, MISUARI has taken the initiative to offset
disgruntlement with the MNLF ranks, stabilize the opposition and seek help from foreign
benefactors.
As of now, peace dividends are starting to take shape and the priority task at
hand is to ensure that the ARMM/SPCPD programs are implemented accordingly. To
fail in the endeavor could undermine the peace agreement and strengthen the position
of the more radical elements.
MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT (MILF)
Hashim SALAMAT is both the Chairman of the Central Committee of the MILF
and Commander-in-Chief of its military arm, the Bangsamoro Islamics Armed Forces
(BMIAF). His Vice Chairman and Chief of Staff of the BMIAF is Ahod IBRAHIM @
ALHAJ MURAD. The group broke away from the MNLF and formed the MILF
sometime in 1977 after SALAMAT doubted the credibility and integrity of MISUARI.
The MILF organization was composed of Maguindanaoans from Cotabato who
aimed for autonomy of the area as stipulated in the 1976 Tripoli Agreement. Its
objective is to establish an Independent Islamic State in Mindanao. (The overall aim of
the MILF is to establish a true Muslim community founded on Islamic doctrine. To
achieve this, the MILF has been continuously working on its objectives that include the
Islamization campaign, restructuring of the MILF and military build-up. The MILF
continue to engage in the conduct of armed activities, extortion and organization build-
up while engaging the government in peace talks.)
The MILF concept of an Islamic State is one where the affairs of the state and
religion are one and indivisible. Islam is held as a complete way of life and system of
government which is envisioned to achieve the following:
a. regolate the affairs of the people so that individually and collectively they
can perform their worship to god;
b. ensure that justice prevails;
c. eradicate all forms of evil; and
d. encourage all forms of virtues and excllence.
STRENGTH/FIREARMS and DISPOSITION
MILF strength increased by 24% from the 1997 figure of 10,855 to 13,459 in
yearend 1998, or plus 2,604 MILF firearms also increased by 26% from the 1997
figure of 8,115 to 10,227 in year end 1998, or plus 2,112 firearms. The increases
posted by the MILF reflects its intensified recruitment activities and military build-up.
There are reports that the MILF is by far bigger and better armed as compared
to other secessionist group in Mindanao like the Abu Sayyaf and of Misuari’s MNLF.
The MILF has drawn the support of the 1.2M strong Tausog concentrated in
Sulu. It has also gain the allegiance of 1.6M Maguindanaos who are scattered
throughout Central Mindanao. The group has alsogained the support of the biggest
Muslim ethnic group, the 1.9M Maranaos. One of the group’s four top leaders and its
vice chairman for Internal Affairs, Alim AZIZ MIMBANTAS, is a Maranao.
SALAMAT’s chairmanship of the MILF is itself symbolic of the group’s nature.
He is an ulama, trained in Islam’s theological center, Cairo’s AL AZHAR University.
In contrast, MNLF’S MISUARI is a layman. Muslim rebels calls him “prop” because
of his stint as a political science instructor at the U.P. Some Muslim rebels even view
MISUARI as a Marxist because of his association in the 60’s with CPP founding
Chairman Jose Ma. SISON.
The MILF considers the 10,000 hectare Camp Abubakar in Sitio Bombaran.
Brgy Tugaig, Barira, Maguindanao as its largest enclave followed by Camp Busra in
Butig, L anao del Sur. The said camp is equipped with six (6) units of radar-guided
anti-aircraft guns called “G Quoyang”, three (3) US stingers and three(3) other
surface-to-air-missiles of unknown make and specifications. A 75mm anti-aircraft
cannon is reportedly pre-postioned atop of hill at Camp Abubakar while the Stingers
arereportedly hidden in the underground arsenal. Other MILF terrories include Camp
Omar in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, Camp Bilal in Lanao del Norte, Camp Salman in
Zamboanga, and Camp Salahuddin in Davao Oriental.
The MILF is apparently establishing more camps in connection with its demand
that the government will recognize such areas as MILF-controlled territories. The
MILF noted that the government’s recognition of these camps is important to prevent
differences on matter of territories, thus helping in the smooth implementation of the
ceasefire agreement.
SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS
The MILF sustain its organizational and logisticcal build-up even as it held
exploratory talks with the government. Its continously beefing-up its arsenal with
sophisticated Fas coming from Islamic countries who aresympathetic to their cause.
The MILF has adopted signeficant changes in its organization to suit the current
political and militarythrust of its operations. The movement has shifted its political
objective from mere autonomy for the Bangsa Moro region to the establishment of
an independent Islamic State in Mindanao, with a strong commitment to launch
“jihad”. This current thrust is being facilitated by joining the Islamic movement in the
South and establishing linkages with foreign Islamic extremist groups.
In this regard, the MILF embarked on 11-point program that consisted the
following:
1. Islamization
2. strengthening of organization
3. self-reliance
4. military build-up aimed to project a formidable image
5. the establishment of an effective justice system regarding the
enforcement of shariah law govern by the MILF.
6. freedom and respect for human rights
7. equal opportunities and equal rights
8. proper measures on social problems
9. equal right and responcebilities
10. overcoming graft and corruption, and
11. overcoming the exploitation of public properties.
Accordingly there are two vitals issues that severely hindered the MILF to wage
“jihad” or holy war and declare independence. These are lack of faith for both Islam
and the MILF movement and the pressure of tradition.
The MILF continues to create new political committees, both in the provincial
and regional levels to effectively control and supervise its political group. It also
pursued the establishment of several sub-camps surrounding its major camps and
Shariah Courts in its controlled areas.
The MILF reportedly intend to fully implement the Shariah Law. Accordingly, all
unsettled cases proviously filed will be refiled under the strict guidelines of the
Shariah Courts. The Islamic Supreme Court will review and decide appealed cases
within three-mounth preiod based on the Q’uran abd Hadith by executing a culprit or
having the latter pay “blood money” for the offences committed. The lower courts-
regional and district Islamic courts are likewise set to adopt the same process. Since
these courts are not yet fully functional due to lack of competent Shariah judges, the
regional Islamic courts will assist in resolving the cases filed thereat. Most of the
regional committees have their own regional Islamic courts headed by an aleem or
an ulama who is knowledgeable in Islamic jurisprudence.
The MILF has vowed to pursue the Islamization of some of its predominantly
Muslim areas in Mindanao as part of its program to ensure the continuity of its
strunggle while negotiating for peace with the government. MILF Vice Chairman for
Military Affaire Al Haj MURAD and his group is also committed to strengthening the
organization as a revolutionary front with religious, military and political facets.
Meanwhile, some 1,500 MILF-infuence Ulama and Ustadzes from Central
Mindanao proposed several measures to enhance the MILF’s Islamization
campaign, among which is to require all Arabic school in the country to seek the
approval of the MILF Cemtral Committee on Education regarding their curricula.
The MILF contenues to receive financial aid from its foreign supporters in the
guise of using said funds for the propagation of Islam. MILF representative in
SUDAN Yosoph SALAHUDIN reportedly asked SALAMAT for the propaganda
materialsto be presented before the Sudanese sponsors.
The MILF Central committee has allegedly allocated some P2M for the
procurement of high-powered firearms and ammunition for 1998. The amount is
reportedly deposited in an undisclosed bank in Cotabato City under the name of the
Front’s contact person who is said to have connections with top AFP and PNP
officials, Aside from procuring from outside sources, the MILF allegedly
manufactures m-79 grenade launcher, .38 cal revolvers, single shot armalite rifles
and RPGs.
GRP-MILF PEACE TALKS
After the successful conduct of a confidence-building workshop at the Notre
Dame University in Cotabato City the peace talk resumed with the holding of the 11 th
GRP-MILF Technical Committee meeting from 08-10 February 1999 at the Da’wah
Center, Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguidanao. The meeting resulted in the
signing of two (2) Documents namely: the Agreement to Reaffirm the pursuit of
peace” which formally activated the GRP-MILF Coodinating Committees on
Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) as provided for in the implementing Administrative
Guidelines of the Agreement for the General Cessation of Hostilities (AGCOH); 2)
Joint A knownledgement” of Camp Bubakar Assidique in Maguindanao and Camp
Busrah Somiorong in Lanao del Sur asMILF camps to be covered by the AGCOH for
the duration of the GRP-MILF peace talks. The CCCH was tasked to determine the
limits of these camps.
The next technical committee meeting scheduled to be held on March 25 and
26 will dicuss the preliminaries that could set the stage for the start of the formal
negotations.Nonetheless, the philippine government wiill remains firm on its stand to
hold on the talk on the basis of its Contitution.
However, the schedule meeting between President Joseph Estrada and MILF
Chairman Hashim Salamat on 28 february did not materialize due to disagreements
over the venue and security escorts. The MILF refused to accept the President’s
invatition to hold talks at the presidential yacht and to back dowen on their demand
for a large number of guards for Salamat. Nonetheless, the MILF remained open for
an Estrada-Salamat meeting in the future.
Abu Sayyap Group
Historical Background
The Abu Sayyap Group takes its roots fromm the Islamic fundamentalism that
has been in Southeast Asia for at least 25 years, and had arrived in the philippines
somewhat later. Such concept was given a concrete substance during the 70’s with the
organization of the so-called Tabligh in Pakistan which later on became a religious
organization in the Arab world. The word Tabligh, which literally means “ to spead or
disseminate the word” has been described as a grassroot movement of lay Muslims
who strive for the moral and spiritual renewal of individual believers. From its base in
Pakistan, Tabligh has sent out itinerant preachers all over the world.
In the early 80’s missioonaries from Pakistan and Afganistan penetrated the
Philippines. By then, the Islamic Fundamentalist Movement in Iraq and Libya offered
scholarship programs to Filipino Muslim students from the Mindanao State University
(MSU) and Wester Mindanao State University (WMSU). Among those who avail of the
sholarship grant were Amilhussin JUMAANI (WMSU) and Abe DALOGAN (MSU), who
later became the founders of the Tabligh movement in the Philippines.
The local tabligh seeks to fundamentalize the teaching of Allah base on the
Koran. The main objectives of Tabligh are: 1) to attain peace, unity and solidarity among
Muslim Filipinos; 2) to deep their spiritual faith in Islam; and 3) to recruit converts to
Islam. The organization was said to have more than 100,000 members throughout
Mindanao and received financial assistance from other Muslim countries. The
Almakdum University serves as the base of Islamic Fundamentalism, which is
reportedly being funded by the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO).
In due time, Tabligh was infiltrated by the more radical and young Muslim who
espouse the basic Islamic teaching based on the Koran. Among them is Libyan-trained
Abdujarak Abubakar Janjalani @ Abu Sayyaf, who together with two other foreign
trained leaders, namely Syrian-trained Ustadz Wahab akbar and Ustadz Amil Hussein
Jumaani who got his training in Iran, founded the Mujahideen Commando Freedom
Fighters (MCFF) in the lates 80’s. This group professes to a more militant and purefied
interpretation of Islam and envision to convert Mindanao into an independent and pure
Islamic Treocratic state. From the MCFF came the beginning of the Abu Sayyaf Group
(ASG).
The Abu Sayyaf Group remains committed to the conduct of terrorism and other
forms of violence to realize its objective of establishing a theocratic Islamic society in
Mindanao. The ASG is presently spintered into small groups and their presence have
been recorded in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan and in the ceties of Zamboanga and
General Santos. They contue to commit limited terroristic acts and engage in criminal
activities as a means to genetrate financial and logistical support.
ASG strength is placed at around 1,150 while firearms in their possesion are
estimated at 340. The ASG has 16 identified concentration areas and encampments.
Four (4) of these are in Basilan, particularly in the municipalities of Maluso, Isabela,
Lantawan and Sumisip; Seven (7) in Zamboanga City in the areas of Eleven Islands,
Sacol Islands, Pitogo, West Coast, Rio hondo, Curuan and Baliwasan Grande; and Five
(5) in Sulu particularly in the towns of Maimbung, Talipao, Kalingalan Kaluang and
Patikul. The ASG has also expanded their forces in the areas of Davao, Nort Cotabato
and the Lanao provinces.
The activities of the ASG had been confined to fund generating efforts in the form
of extortion, robberies and kidnapping.
The death of Abdurajak abubakar Janjalani on 18 december delivered a severe
blow to the ASG. The vacuum in leadership left after his death is yet to be fielded. The
power strunggle evedn resulted to voilence, with the killing of Edwin Angels, believed to
be one of those being considered to take Janjalani’s place.
