Philippine Terrorism and Insurgency: What to do About the Abu Sayyaf Group

Abstract

Abstract : The paper is about the Philippine terrorism and insurgency problem. It answers the question: Is the current Philippine government counter terrorism strategy effective against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)? If not, what can be done about it? As a background, the current national security threat groups such as the communist New Peoples' Army (NPA), the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), to include other minor threat groups were examined along with the history of Filipino Muslims in southern Philippines. Using the analytical framework of Bard O'Neill, the ASG was analyzed as to its history, organization, logistics, tactics, and training. Variables affecting the operational environment such as terrain, climate, infrastructure, political culture, socio-economic conditions, domestic and external popular support, and the criminal justice and law enforcement system were likewise analyzed. The Philippine government's strategy of 'Holistic approach' is a two-pronged approach towards insurgency and terrorism. It is in the right direction, but its effectiveness cannot be gauged yet. The use of military force is necessary at this stage, but a multidimensional approach to get at the root causes of the terrorism must be done to reverse the unfavorable environment where terrorism thrives.