View source for Moro conflict

{{Short description|Separatist conflict in the Philippines}}
{{About|the post-colonial era insurgency|the conflict with the United States of 1899–1913|Moro Rebellion|the pre-1899 conflict|Spanish–Moro conflict|the series of attacks over Sabah|Cross border attacks in Sabah}}
{{distinguish|Kidnapping of Aldo Moro}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict          = Moro conflict
| partof            = the [[Cold War]], [[Civil conflict in the Philippines]], [[War on terror]], [[North Borneo dispute]] and [[War against the Islamic State]]
| image             = Moro rebel camps.png
| image_size        = 300px
| caption           = Map of Moro insurgent camps in Mindanao at the time of the 2014 ceasefire
| date              = March 18, 1968<ref name="books.google.com">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aJHaAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA183|title = A Muslim Archipelago: Islam and Politics in Southeast Asia|isbn = 9781932946192|last1 = Gross|first1 = Max L.|year = 2007| publisher=United States Department of Defense }}</ref> – February 22, 2019<ref name="endofinsurgency" /> ({{Age in months, weeks and days|month1=3|day1=18|year1=1968|month2=2|day2=22|year2=2019}})
| place             = [[Mindanao]], [[Philippines]]
| coordinates       = 
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| territory         = The [[Bangsamoro|Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao]] was officially ratified on February 22, 2019, and replaced the [[Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao]]<ref name="endofinsurgency">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ptvnews.ph/prrd-barmm-realization-of-moro-dreams-and-end-armed-struggle/ |title=PRRD: BARMM 'realization' of Moro dreams and end armed struggle &#124; PTV News |access-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302153938/https://www.ptvnews.ph/prrd-barmm-realization-of-moro-dreams-and-end-armed-struggle/ |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| result            = Peace agreements declared between the Government and the [[Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro|MILF]]/[[1996 Final Peace Agreement|MNLF]]
*Cessation of hostilities with the MNLF and MILF
*[[Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines|Operation Enduring Freedom]] ended on [[Battle of Marawi|23 October 2017]]<ref name=JSOTF-P>{{cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2015/02/27/u-s-officially-ends-special-operations-task-force-in-the-philippines-some-advisors-may-remain|title=U.S. Officially Ends Special Operations Task Force in the Philippines, Some Advisors May Remain|date=27 February 2015|access-date=April 26, 2023|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427222222/https://news.usni.org/2015/02/27/u-s-officially-ends-special-operations-task-force-in-the-philippines-some-advisors-may-remain|url-status=live}}</ref> dealing a heavy blow to jihadist forces, reducing their numbers significantly<ref>{{cite news|title=Abu Sayyaf a threat no more|date=5 April 2023|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/05/abu-sayyaf-a-threat-no-more|access-date=April 26, 2023|archive-date=April 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426065109/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/05/abu-sayyaf-a-threat-no-more|url-status=live}}</ref> and recapturing all their territory
*[[Bangsamoro Transition Authority]] established to govern the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao until 2025
* Ongoing [[Philippines and the Islamic State|ISIL insurgency]] and sporadic clashes between MILF loyalist militias and against the government
| status            = 
| combatant1        = '''{{flag|Philippines}}'''
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'''Supported by:'''{{ubli|{{flag|United States}} (advisors)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/id/58031/ |title=Defense.gov News Article: Trainers, Advisors Help Philippines Fight Terrorism |access-date=June 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714065802/http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=58031 |archive-date=July 14, 2015 }}</ref>|{{flag|Australia}}<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070901011517/http://www.australia.com.ph/mnla/medrel110506.html Philippines to be a key recipient of Australia's New Regional Counter-Terrorism Package – Australian Embassy] (archived from [http://www.australia.com.ph/mnla/medrel110506.html the original] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320180032/http://www.australia.com.ph/mnla/medrel110506.html |date=March 20, 2012}} on September 1, 2007)</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Wroe|first1=David|title=RAAF spy planes to join fight against Islamic State in the Philippines|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/raaf-spy-planes-to-join-fight-against-islamic-state-in-the-philippines-20170622-gwwl2l.html|access-date=June 23, 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=June 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623152045/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/raaf-spy-planes-to-join-fight-against-islamic-state-in-the-philippines-20170622-gwwl2l.html|archive-date=June 23, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>|{{flag|Indonesia}}<ref name="peace"/><ref name="Perwita2007">{{cite book|author=Anak Agung Banyu Perwita|title=Indonesia and the Muslim World: Islam and Secularism in the Foreign Policy of Soeharto and Beyond|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u3h4fpt4f7QC&pg=PA116|year=2007|publisher=NIAS Press|isbn=978-87-91114-92-2|pages=116–117|access-date=December 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507014130/https://books.google.com/books?id=u3h4fpt4f7QC&pg=PA116|archive-date=May 7, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>|{{flag|Malaysia}} (since 2001)<ref name="peace">{{cite journal|url=http://www.iseas.edu.sg/documents/publication/ISEAS_Perspective_2014_16-Peace's_Best_Chance_in_Muslim_Mindanao.pdf |title=Peace's Best Chance in Muslim Mindanao |author=Malcolm Cook |journal=Perspective |publisher=[[Institute of Southeast Asian Studies]] |date=March 17, 2014 |access-date=September 15, 2014 |page=7 |issn=2335-6677 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418115933/http://www.iseas.edu.sg/documents/publication/ISEAS_Perspective_2014_16-Peace's_Best_Chance_in_Muslim_Mindanao.pdf |archive-date=April 18, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/427980|title=Nur Misuari to be repatriated to stand trial|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=December 20, 2001|access-date=July 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705093825/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/427980|archive-date=July 5, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Soliman M. Santos|title=Malaysia's Role in the Peace Negotiations Between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9X1wAAAAMAAJ|year=2003|publisher=Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network|isbn=978-983-2514-38-1|access-date=December 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115094703/https://books.google.com/books?id=9X1wAAAAMAAJ|archive-date=January 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/368926/news/nation/malaysia-asks-phl-for-help-in-tracking-militants-with-abu-sayyaf-ties|title=Malaysia asks PHL for help in tracking militants with Abu Sayyaf ties|publisher=GMA-News|date=July 6, 2014|access-date=July 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714192731/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/368926/news/nation/malaysia-asks-phl-for-help-in-tracking-militants-with-abu-sayyaf-ties|archive-date=July 14, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>|{{flag|Russia}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Russia commits support for Philippine counterterrorism efforts|date=February 2, 2019|newspaper=The Philippine Star|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/02/02/1890100/russia-commits-support-philippine-counterterrorism-efforts|access-date=December 27, 2020|archive-date=November 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101150253/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/02/02/1890100/russia-commits-support-philippine-counterterrorism-efforts|url-status=live}}</ref>|{{flag|China}}<ref>{{cite news |url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/06/29/Duterte-thanks-China-for-military-aid-vs-Mautes.html |title=Duterte thanks China for firearms, ammo vs Mautes |work=CNN Philippines |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630192617/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/06/29/Duterte-thanks-China-for-military-aid-vs-Mautes.html |access-date=October 16, 2017|url-status=dead |archive-date=June 30, 2017 }}</ref>}}
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'''[[International Monitoring Team]] (IMT)'''
* {{flag|Brunei}}
* {{flag|Indonesia}}
* {{flag|Japan}}
* {{flag|Libya}}
* {{flag|Malaysia}}
* {{flag|Norway}}
* {{flag|European Union}}
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* [[Ilaga]]
| combatant2        = '''[[Moro people|Bangsamoro]]'''{{ubli|{{flagicon image|MNLF flag.svg}} [[Moro National Liberation Front|MNLF]] (until 1996)<ref>{{cite journal |title=Revolution in the Philippines – The Question of an Alliance Between Islam and Communism |journal = Asian Survey|volume = 25|issue = 8|pages = 822–833|author=Ivan Molloy |publisher=[[University of California]] |jstor = 2644112|year = 1985|doi = 10.2307/2644112}}</ref>|{{flagicon image|Flag of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.svg}} [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front|MILF]] (until 2014)}}

'''Former support:'''{{ubli|{{flagdeco|Libya|1977}} [[History of Libya under Muammar Gaddafi|Libya]] (until 2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfPnxBY3ayM|title = Philippine Moros miss Gaddafi's support|website = [[YouTube]]| date=January 2, 2012 |access-date = April 1, 2021|archive-date = August 12, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210812084224/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfPnxBY3ayM|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name=pdi>{{cite news|title=Khadafy admits aiding Muslim seccesionists|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=August 5, 1986|page=2}}</ref><ref name="Smith2004">{{cite book|author=Paul J. Smith|title=Terrorism and Violence in Southeast Asia: Transnational Challenges to States and Regional Stability|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uv6V4thjxdwC&pg=PA194|date=September 21, 2004|publisher=M.E. Sharpe|isbn=978-0-7656-3626-3|pages=194–|access-date=December 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115094703/https://books.google.com/books?id=uv6V4thjxdwC&pg=PA194|archive-date=January 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Larousse2001p151">{{cite book|author=William Larousse|title=A Local Church Living for Dialogue: Muslim-Christian Relations in Mindanao-Sulu, Philippines : 1965–2000|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qyo-Hti0-KAC&pg=PA151|date=January 1, 2001|publisher=Gregorian Biblical BookShop|isbn=978-88-7652-879-8|pages=151 & 162|access-date=December 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115094703/https://books.google.com/books?id=qyo-Hti0-KAC&pg=PA151|archive-date=January 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Miller2012">{{cite book|author=Michelle Ann Miller|title=Autonomy and Armed Separatism in South and Southeast Asia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bwqe_JdLDUYC&pg=PA291|year=2012|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn=978-981-4379-97-7|pages=291–|access-date=December 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116011515/https://books.google.com/books?id=bwqe_JdLDUYC&pg=PA291|archive-date=January 16, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Yegar2002">{{cite book|author=Moshe Yegar|title=Between Integration and Secession: The Muslim Communities of the Southern Philippines, Southern Thailand, and Western Burma/Myanmar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S5q7qxi5LBgC&pg=PA256|year=2002|publisher=Lexington Books|isbn=978-0-7391-0356-2|pages=256–|access-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226075624/https://books.google.com/books?id=S5q7qxi5LBgC&pg=PA256|archive-date=December 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>|{{flag|Malaysia}} (until 2001)<ref>{{cite book|last1=Tan|first1=Andrew T/H.|title=A Handbook of Terrorism and Insurgency in Southeast Asia|date=2009|publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing|location=Cheltenham, UK|isbn=978-1847207180|pages=230, 238|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZzMmpCinBYoC&q=malaysia&pg=PA229}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Isak Svensson|title=International Mediation Bias and Peacemaking: Taking Sides in Civil Wars|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=My2cBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA69|date=November 27, 2014|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-10544-0|pages=69ff.|access-date=December 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115094703/https://books.google.com/books?id=My2cBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA69|archive-date=January 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1673857.stm|title=Philippines rebel leader arrested|work=BBC News|date=November 25, 2001|access-date=September 26, 2015|quote=Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police Norian Mai said Mr Misuari and six of his followers were arrested at 3.30&nbsp;am on Saturday (1930 GMT Friday) on Jampiras island off Sabah state. Manila had ordered his arrest on charges of instigating a rebellion after the government suspended his governorship of an autonomous Muslim region in Mindanao, the ARMM. Although the Philippines has no extradition treaty with Malaysia, the authorities have already made clear that they intend to hand Mr Misuari over to the authorities in Manila as soon as possible. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had said before the arrest that, although his country had provided support to the rebel group in the past in its bid for autonomy, Mr Misuari had not used his powers correctly. 'Therefore, we no longer feel responsible to provide him with any assistance', he said.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926005935/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1673857.stm|archive-date=September 26, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>}}
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{{flagicon image|NDF Flag.svg}} [[National Democratic Front of the Philippines|NDFP]]
*{{flagicon image|Ph mrlo.PNG}} [[Moro Resistance and Liberation Organization|MRLO]]
| combatant3        = '''[[Terrorism in the Philippines|Jihadist groups]]''' {{ubli|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters|BIFF]]|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Abu Sayyaf|ASG]] (1991–2024)<ref>{{cite web|last=Mendoza |first=John Eric |title=Abu Sayyaf now 'dismantled' after over 30 years – Westmincom chief|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1922001/abu-sayyaf-now-dismantled-after-over-three-decades-says-westmincom-chief|access-date=23 March 2024|date=22 March 2024|work=Inquirer.net}}</ref><ref name="the War on ISIS">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3723588/the-war-on-isis/|title=What Comes After the War on ISIS|author=David Von Drehle|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=June 29, 2015|date=February 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625113619/http://time.com/3723588/the-war-on-isis/|archive-date=June 25, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ISIL gains supporters" />|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Maute group]] (2013–2017)<ref name="wipeout">{{cite web|url=http://www.manilatimes.net/islamic-freedom-fighters-abu-sayyaf-next-maute-wipeout-defense-chief/358410/|title=Islamic freedom fighters, Abu Sayyaf next after Maute 'wipeout' – defense chief|publisher=The Manila Times|date=October 24, 2017|access-date=October 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024135007/http://www.manilatimes.net/islamic-freedom-fighters-abu-sayyaf-next-maute-wipeout-defense-chief/358410/|archive-date=October 24, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web| url = http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/02/26/1557058/3-soldiers-killed-11-hurt-lanao-del-sur-clash| title = 3 soldiers killed, 11 hurt in Lanao del Sur clash| website = philstar.com| access-date = February 27, 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170202014721/http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/02/26/1557058/3-soldiers-killed-11-hurt-lanao-del-sur-clash| archive-date = February 2, 2017| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}}
</ref><ref name="butig1">{{cite web| url = http://globalnation.inquirer.net/136968/136968| title = Army reports killing 20 'terrorists' in clashes with Lanao Sur armed group| last = Umel| first = Richel| website = globalnation.inquirer.net| date = February 24, 2016| access-date = February 27, 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160529070208/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/136968/136968| archive-date = May 29, 2016| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}}</ref>|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Ansar Khalifa Philippines|AKP]] (2014 – {{circa}} 2021) | {{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Khalifa Islamiyah Mindanao|KIM]] (2011–2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/462101/new-al-qaeda-inspired-group-eyed-in-mindanao-blasts-terror-expert|title=New al-Qaeda-inspired group eyed in Mindanao blasts—terror expert|author=Kristine Angeli Sabillo|date=August 9, 2013|access-date=June 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701125311/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/462101/new-al-qaeda-inspired-group-eyed-in-mindanao-blasts-terror-expert|archive-date=July 1, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>|{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Rajah Sulaiman Movement]] (until 2005)<ref name=BBC>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4377610.stm "Philippines arrests key militants"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620065827/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4377610.stm |date=June 20, 2017 }}. ''BBC News''.</ref><ref name=msnbc>{{cite news|first=Joe|last=Cochrane|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4933472/|title=Ticking Time Bombs|publisher=MSN|work=Newsweek International|date=May 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060920131445/http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4933472/|archive-date=September 20, 2006}}</ref>}}
| commander1        = {{ubli|{{flagdeco|Philippines|1985}} [[Ferdinand Marcos]] [[Death by natural causes|#]]<br>(1968–1986)|{{flagdeco|Philippines|1936}} [[Corazon Aquino]] [[Death by natural causes|#]]<br>(1986–1992)|{{flagdeco|Philippines|1936}} [[Fidel Ramos]]<br>(1992–1998)|{{flagdeco|Philippines}} [[Joseph Estrada]]<br>(1998–2001)|{{flagdeco|Philippines}} [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]]<br>(2001–2010)|{{flagdeco|Philippines}} [[Benigno Aquino III|Benigno Aquino]]<br>(2010–2016)|{{flagdeco|Philippines}} [[Rodrigo Duterte]]<br>(2016–2019)}}
| commander2        = {{ubli|{{flagicon image|MNLF flag.svg}} [[Nur Misuari]] (1972–1996)|{{flagicon image|MNLF flag.svg}} Habier Malik{{KIA}}|{{flagicon image|MNLF flag.svg}} [[Muslimin Sema]] (1972–1996)|{{flagicon image|MNLF flag.svg}} Habib Mujahab Hashim [[Death by natural causes|#]] (1972–1996)|{{flagicon image|MNLF flag.svg}} [[Abul Khayr Alonto]] [[Death by natural causes|#]] (1972–1996)|{{flagicon image|Flag of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.svg}} [[Murad Ebrahim]] (1977–2014)|{{flagicon image|Flag of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.svg}} [[Hashim Salamat]] [[Death by natural causes|#]] (1977–2003)}}
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'''Former support:'''{{ubli|{{flagdeco|Egypt}} [[Anwar Sadat]] [[Assassination of Anwar Sadat|'''X''']]<ref>{{cite book|author=Moshe Yegar|title=Between Integration and Secession: The Muslim Communities of the Southern Philippines, Southern Thailand, and Western Burma/Myanmar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S5q7qxi5LBgC&pg=PA258|date=January 1, 2002|publisher=Lexington Books|isbn=978-0-7391-0356-2|pages=258–|access-date=December 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115094703/https://books.google.com/books?id=S5q7qxi5LBgC&pg=PA258|archive-date=January 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>|{{flagdeco|Libya|1977}} [[Muammar Gaddafi]] [[Assassination of Muammar Gaddafi|'''X''']]|{{flagdeco|Malaysia}} [[Mustapha Harun]] [[Death by natural causes|#]]<ref>{{cite book|author=Andrew Tian Huat Tan|title=Security Perspectives of the Malay Archipelago: Security Linkages in the Second Front in the War on Terrorism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kJK4AAAAIAAJ|date=January 1, 2004|publisher=Edward Elgar|isbn=978-1-84376-997-2|access-date=December 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115094703/https://books.google.com/books?id=kJK4AAAAIAAJ|archive-date=January 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Shanti Nair|title=Islam in Malaysian Foreign Policy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W_V0dfWof7QC&pg=PT67|date=January 11, 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-134-96099-6|pages=67–|quote=Mustapha was directly implicated in the provision of training facilities for separatist Moro guerrillas as well harbouring Moro Muslim refugees in Sabah due to his ethnic connection.|access-date=December 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115094703/https://books.google.com/books?id=W_V0dfWof7QC&pg=PT67|archive-date=January 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| commander3        = {{ubli|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Radullan Sahiron]]|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} Abu Toraife|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani|Abdurajak Janjalani]]{{KIA}}|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Khadaffy Janjalani]]{{KIA}}| {{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Isnilon Hapilon]]{{KIA}}|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} Galib Andang{{KIA}}|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Ameril Umbra Kato]] [[Death by natural causes|#]]|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} Kagui Karialan{{KIA}}|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Omar Maute]]{{KIA}}|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Abdullah Maute]]{{KIA}}|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} Abu Dar{{KIA}}|{{flagdeco|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} Mohammad Maguid{{KIA}}|{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Ahmed Santos (militant)|Ahmed Santos]]{{POW}}}}
| strength1         = {{flagdeco|Philippines}} 125,000–130,000<ref name="carleton">{{cite web|url=http://www4.carleton.ca/cifp/app/serve.php/1392.pdf|title=The State-Moro Conflict in the Philippines|author1=Lisa Huang|author2=Victor Musembi|author3=Ljiljana Petronic|publisher=Carleton|date=June 21, 2012|access-date=September 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929082330/http://www4.carleton.ca/cifp/app/serve.php/1392.pdf|archive-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| strength2         = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.svg}} 11,000 (2012)<ref name="carleton"/>
| strength3         = Unspecified
| casualties1       = 
| casualties2       = 
| casualties3       = 
| notes             = Timeline of the conflict: [[Timeline of the Moro conflict|Timeline]]
| campaignbox       = {{Campaignbox Moro conflict}}
| casualties4       = '''Total killed:'''<br />{{circa}} 100,000<br>'''Total displaced:'''<br>2,000,000+ displaced (1970–2011)<ref>{{Cite book |last=Aspinall |first=Edward |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Diminishing_Conflicts_in_Asia_and_the_Pa/aKb9cFFu1xAC?hl=pl&gbpv=1&dq=moro+conflict+displaced&pg=PA228&printsec=frontcover |title=Diminishing Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific: Why Some Subside and Others Don't |last2=Jeffrey |first2=Robin |last3=Regan |first3=Anthony J. |date=2013 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-0-415-67031-9 |page=230 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Buckley |first=Ross P. |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Debt_for_Development_Exchanges/dZf_o3Dm5ecC?hl=pl&gbpv=1&dq=moro+conflict+displaced&pg=PA248&printsec=frontcover |title=Debt-for-Development Exchanges: History and New Applications |date=2011-04-25 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |isbn=978-1-139-49957-6 |page=248 |language=en}}</ref> or 3,500,000+ displaced (2000–2014)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Can Mindanao’s new peace agreement help end displacement? |url=https://www.internal-displacement.org/expert-analysis/can-mindanaos-new-peace-agreement-help-end-displacement |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=IDMC - Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre |language=en}}</ref>
}}

The '''Moro conflict'''<ref name="IcaFernandez2017">Fernandez, Maria. (2017). Implementing Peace and Development in the Bangsamoro: Potentials and Constraints of Socio-Economic Programs for Conflict-Affected Areas in Southern Philippines (1913-2015). 10.13140/RG.2.2.14829.33763.</ref><ref name="StevenRood2005">Steven Rood. “Forging Sustainable Peace in Mindanao: The Role of Civil Society”, Policy Studies 17, Washington: East-West Center, 2005, p.22</ref><ref name="SamChittick2019">{{Cite web |last=Chittick |first=Sam |date=January 16, 2019  |title=A Momentous Moment for Mindanao  |url=https://asiafoundation.org/2019/01/16/a-momentous-moment-for-mindanao/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004194213/https://asiafoundation.org/2019/01/16/a-momentous-moment-for-mindanao/ |archive-date=2023-10-04 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=The Asia Foundation}}</ref> was an insurgency in the [[Mindanao]] region of the [[Philippines]] which involved multiple armed groups.<ref name="GutierrezLandlessness">{{cite book|title=Moro Conflict: Landlessness and Misdirected State Policies|first1=Eric|last1=Gutierrez|first2=Saturnino Jr|last2=Borras|date=July 20, 2004|publisher=East-West Center Washington|isbn = 978-1932728149}}</ref><ref name="books.google.com" /> A [[Bangsamoro peace process|decades-long peace process]]<ref name="IcaFernandez2017" /><ref name="MattStephens2019">Stephens, Matthew. “Prospects for Lasting Peace in Mindanao: Peacemaking and Peacebuilding under the Aquino and Duterte Administrations.” Chapter. In From Aquino II to Duterte (2010–2018): Change, Continuity—and Rupture, edited by Imelda Deinla and Bjšrn Dressel, 207–38. Lectures, Workshops, and Proceedings of International Conferences. ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, 2019.</ref> has resulted in peace deals between the [[Government of the Philippines|Philippine government]] and two major armed groups, the [[Moro National Liberation Front]] (MNLF)<ref name="Timeline" /> and the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]] (MILF),<ref name="PhilippinePeaceBreakthrough2014" /> but other smaller armed groups continue to exist. In 2017, the peace council settled around 138 clan conflicts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ending Philippines clan wars crucial to sustaining peace – DW – 02/06/2023 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/philippines-ending-clan-wars-crucial-to-sustaining-peace-in-muslim-south/a-64624559 |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324062433/https://www.dw.com/en/philippines-ending-clan-wars-crucial-to-sustaining-peace-in-muslim-south/a-64624559 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The root cause of the Moro conflict is associated in a long history of resistance by the [[Moro people]] against foreign rule, for centuries the region was under the control of the [[Spanish Empire]]. The U.S. had a [[Spanish–American War|brief war]] with Spain in 1898 which ended in the transfer of the Philippines to the United States, and this led to [[History of the Philippines (1898–1946)|American occupation]] until 1946.

During the [[Presidency of Ferdinand Marcos|administration]] of President [[Ferdinand Marcos]], political tensions and open hostilities developed between the government and Moro rebel groups.<ref name="GutierrezLandlessness"/><ref name="scribd.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/89147694/The-CenSEI-Report-Vol-2-No-13-April-2-8-2012#page=3|title=The CenSEI Report (Vol. 2, No. 13, April 2–8, 2012)|access-date=January 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124115304/http://www.scribd.com/doc/89147694/The-CenSEI-Report-Vol-2-No-13-April-2-8-2012#page=3|archive-date=January 24, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The Moro insurgency was triggered<ref name="MoroStory">{{Cite news |last=Antonio |first=Nicolas Basilio |date=2021-04-10 |title=The Moro Story During Martial Law |work=The [[Philippine Collegian]] |url=https://phkule.org/article/12/the-moro-story-during-martial-law |url-status=live |access-date=2021-09-25 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210925165425/https://phkule.org/article/12/the-moro-story-during-martial-law |archive-date=September 25, 2021 }}</ref> by the purported [[Jabidah massacre]] on March 18, 1968, during which 60 Filipino Muslim commandos on a planned [[North Borneo dispute|operation to reclaim]] the eastern part of the Malaysian state of [[Sabah]] were said to have been killed. As retaliation against the Philippine government's failed attempt at reclaiming Sabah, the Malaysian government supported and funded the rebels which devastated the southern Philippines, until support ceased in 2001.<ref name="Misuari arrested">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1673857.stm|title=Philippines rebel leader arrested|work=BBC News|date=25 November 2001|access-date=26 September 2015|quote=Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police Norian Mai said Mr Misuari and six of his followers were arrested at 3.30 am on Saturday (1930 GMT Friday) on Jampiras island off Sabah state. Manila had ordered his arrest on charges of instigating a rebellion after the government suspended his governorship of an autonomous Muslim region in Mindanao, the ARMM. Although the Philippines has no extradition treaty with Malaysia, the authorities have already made clear that they intend to hand Mr Misuari over to the authorities in Manila as soon as possible. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had said before the arrest that, although his country had provided support to the rebel group in the past in its bid for autonomy, Mr Misuari had not used his powers correctly. "Therefore, we no longer feel responsible to provide him with any assistance," he said.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926005935/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1673857.stm|archive-date=26 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Various organizations pushing for Moro self-determination, either through autonomy or independence, were almost immediately formed in response.<ref name="RevoltinMindanao:"/><ref name="BetweenIntegrationandSecession"/> Although these generally did not last long until [[University of the Philippines]] professor [[Nur Misuari]] established the Moro National Liberation Front, an armed insurgent group committed to establishing an independent Mindanao, in 1972. In the following years, the MNLF splintered into several different groups including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front founded by [[Salamat Hashim|Hashim Salamat]], which sought to establish an Islamic state within the Philippines.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} When the MILF modified its demands from independence to autonomy in the late 2008, a faction led by [[Ameril Umbra Kato]] disagreed, eventually forming the [[Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters]] (BIFF) in 2010.<ref name=InqFeb2015>{{cite news|title=Is BIFF the MILF's 'BFF'?|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/669597/is-biff-the-milfs-bff|access-date=February 1, 2015|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=February 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204032402/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/669597/is-biff-the-milfs-bff|archive-date=February 4, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/375074/news/nation/biff-abu-sayyaf-pledge-allegiance-to-islamic-state-jihadists |title=BIFF, Abu Sayyaf pledge allegiance to Islamic State jihadists |publisher=GMA News Online |date=August 16, 2014 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128115308/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/375074/news/nation/biff-abu-sayyaf-pledge-allegiance-to-islamic-state-jihadists |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Casualty statistics vary for the conflict, though the conservative estimates of the [[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]] indicate that at least 6,015 people were killed in armed conflict between the government and [[Abu Sayyaf]] (ASG), BIFF, MILF, and MNLF factions between 1989 and 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ucdp.uu.se/gpdatabase/gpcountry.php?id=127&regionSelect=11-Oceania#|title=Database – Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) – Philippines|publisher=[[Uppsala Conflict Data Program]]|access-date=March 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603132459/http://www.ucdp.uu.se/gpdatabase/gpcountry.php?id=127&regionSelect=11-Oceania|archive-date=June 3, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Historical antecedents (16th century - 1946) ==
{{Main|Spanish–Moro conflict|Moro Rebellion|Philippine resistance against Japan#Moro resistance on Mindanao and Sulu}}
[[File:Christian Filipinos under Spanish army in Mindanao in their battle against the Moro Muslim, circa 1887.jpg|thumb|left|[[Christianity|Christian]] [[Filipinos]], who served under the Spanish Army, searching for [[Moro people|Moro]] rebels during the [[Spanish–Moro conflict]], c. 1887. The insurgency in [[Mindanao]] can be traced to the 1500s, when the Spanish arrived in the Moro heartland.]]
{{History of the Philippines}}
The [[Moro people]] have had a history of resistance against foreign rule for more than 400 years. During the [[Spanish–Moro conflict]], Spain repeatedly tried to conquer the Moro [[Sultanate of Sulu]], [[Sultanate of Maguindanao]], and the Confederation of sultanates in Lanao like what it did with the former Muslim [[Rajahnate of Maynila]] (As the Rajah of Manila, [[Rajah Matanda]] was a grandson of the Sultan of Brunei, "Sultan Bolkiah" and a Princess of Sulu "Dayang-dayang Laila Machanai"). Although Spain succeeded in supplanting Islam in Manila and Mindoro, they failed against the Muslims in the South. The armed struggle against the Spanish, Americans, Japanese, and Christian Filipinos is considered by current Moro Muslim leaders to be part of a four-century-long "national liberation movement" of the Bangsamoro (Moro Nation).<ref>[https://www.academia.edu/1921767/Al_Harakatul_Al_Islamiyyah_Essays_on_the_Abu_Sayyaf_Group_by_Rommel_Banlaoi Banlaoi 2012] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427101345/http://www.academia.edu/1921767/Al_Harakatul_Al_Islamiyyah_Essays_on_the_Abu_Sayyaf_Group_by_Rommel_Banlaoi |date=April 27, 2016 }}, p. 24.</ref>

The foundations of the modern conflict can be traced to the Spanish and American wars against the Moros.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.miis.edu/media/view/18931/original/baleASGreport.doc|title=The Abu Sayyaf Group in its Philippine and International Contexts|last1=Bale|first1=Jeffrey M.|pages=4–8|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305093708/http://www.miis.edu/media/view/18931/original/baleASGreport.doc|archive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the [[Spanish–American War]] in 1898, another conflict sparked in the southern Philippines between the revolutionary [[Moro people|Muslims in the Philippines]] and the [[United States Armed Forces|United States military]] that took place between 1899 and 1913. On August 14, 1898, after defeating Spanish forces, the United States claimed the Philippines as its territory under the [[Treaty of Paris of 1898]], establishing a military government under General [[Wesley Merritt]] as [[Military Governor]].<ref>{{citation|last=Halstead|first=Murat|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lIQcwt7g2wkC|title=The Story of the Philippines and Our New Possessions, Including the Ladrones, Hawaii, Cuba and Porto Rico|chapter=XI. The Administration of General Merrit|chapter-url=http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/world/readfile?pageno=110&fk_files=58428|ref=Halstead1898ch11|pages=[http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/world/readfile?pageno=110&fk_files=58428 110–112]|year=1898|access-date=September 27, 2020|archive-date=August 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815072034/https://books.google.com/books?id=lIQcwt7g2wkC|url-status=live}}</ref> Filipinos immediately opposed foreign rule by the United States.

American forces took control from the Spanish government in [[Jolo]] on May 18, 1899, and at [[Zamboanga City|Zamboanga]] in December 1899.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.bakbakan.com/swishkb.html |title=Swish of the Kris |last=Hurley |first=Victor |year=1936 |chapter=Mindanao and Sulu in 1898 |chapter-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080712175811/http://www.bakbakan.com/swishk/swk3-17.html |location=New York |publisher=E.P. Dutton & Co |access-date=December 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080712175811/http://www.bakbakan.com/swishkb.html |archive-date=July 12, 2008 }}</ref> Brigadier General [[John C. Bates]] was sent to negotiate a treaty with the [[List of sultans of Sulu|Sultan of Sulu]], Jamalul Kiram II. Kiram was disappointed by the American takeover, as he expected to regain sovereignty after the defeat of Spanish forces in the archipelago. Bates' main goal was to guarantee Moro neutrality in the [[Philippine–American War]], and to establish order in the southern Philippines. After some negotiation, the Bates Treaty was signed, which was based on an earlier Spanish treaty.<ref>{{cite book|last=Tucker|first=Spencer|title=The Encyclopedia of the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars: A Political, Social, and Military History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8V3vZxOmHssC|year=2009|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-85109-951-1|pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=8V3vZxOmHssC&pg=PA48 48–49]|access-date=December 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104230451/https://books.google.com/books?id=8V3vZxOmHssC|archive-date=January 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bates Treaty did ensure the neutrality of the Muslims in the south, but it was actually set up to buy time for the Americans until the war in the north ended.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kho|first1=Madge|title=The Bates Treaty|url=http://www.philippineupdate.com/Bates.htm|website=Philippine Update|access-date=June 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417122604/http://www.philippineupdate.com/Bates.htm|archive-date=April 17, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA406868 Luga p. 22.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413144653/http://dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA406868 |date=April 13, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.morolandhistory.com/00.Text%20Document/a_brief_history_of_.htm|title=A Brief History of America and the Moros 1899–1920|access-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309231552/http://www.morolandhistory.com/00.Text%20Document/a_brief_history_of_.htm|archive-date=March 9, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 20, 1900, Bates was replaced by Brigadier General [[William August Kobbé]] and the District of Mindanao-Jolo was upgraded to a full department. American forces in Mindanao were reinforced and hostilities with the Moro people lessened, although there are accounts of Americans and other civilians being attacked and slain by Moros.

The American invasion began in 1904 and ended at the term of Major General [[John J. Pershing]], the third and final military governor of Moro Province, although major resistance continued in [[Battle of Bud Bagsak|Mount Bagsak]] and [[Second Battle of Bud Dajo|Bud Dajo]] in [[Jolo]]; in the latter, the United States military killed hundreds of Moro in the [[Moro Crater massacre]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Women and Children Killed in Moro Battle|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/03/11/101768986.pdf|access-date=September 24, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 11, 1906|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004084859/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/03/11/101768986.pdf|archive-date=October 4, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[[Mark Twain]], ''[[Weapons of Satire]]'', pp. 168–178, Syracuse University Press, Syracuse, NY 1992</ref><ref>{{cite thesis|last=Dphrepaulezz|first=Omar H.|date=August 5, 2013|title="The Right Sort of White Men": General Leonard Wood and the U.S. Army in the Southern Philippines, 1898–1906|url=http://digitalcommons.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6251&context=dissertations|type=Doctoral Dissertations|page=8|access-date=August 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904003731/http://digitalcommons.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6251&context=dissertations|archive-date=September 4, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Opinion&title=should-there-be-a-moro-nation&id=103716|title=BusinessWorld – Should there be a Moro nation?|website=[[BusinessWorld]] |access-date=June 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923221328/http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Opinion&title=should-there-be-a-moro-nation&id=103716|archive-date=September 23, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> After the war, in 1915, the Americans imposed the Carpenter Treaty on Sulu.<ref name="(Teuku.)1987">{{cite book|author=Ibrahim Alfian (Teuku.)|title=Perang di Jalan Allah: Perang Aceh, 1873–1912|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rh8sAAAAMAAJ&q=Pada+27hb.+September+1917+itu+juga+polisi+telah+menggeledah+rumah+Sabi+dan+didalam+sebuah+peti+kayu+dirumahnya,|year=1987|publisher=Pustaka Sinar Harapan|page=130}}</ref>

Repeated rebellions by the Moros against American rule continued to break out even after the main Moro Rebellion ended, right up to the [[Japanese occupation of the Philippines]] during [[World War II]]. During the Japanese invasion, the Moros [[Philippine resistance against Japan#Moro resistance in Mindanao|waged an insurgency against the Japanese]] on Mindanao and Sulu until Japan surrendered in 1945. Moro [[Juramentado]]s attacked the Spanish, Americans, [[Philippine Constabulary]], and the Japanese.

== Philippine administrations after World War II (1946–1968) ==
The [[Federal government of the United States|American]] colonial government and subsequently the [[Government of the Philippines|Philippine government]] pursued a policy of intra-ethnic migration by resettling significant numbers of [[Christianity in the Philippines|Christian Filipino]] settlers from the [[Visayas]] and [[Luzon]] onto tracts of land in [[Mindanao]], beginning in the 1920s. This policy allowed Christian Filipinos to outnumber both the Moro and [[Lumad]] populations by the 1970s, which was a contributing factor in aggravating grievances between the Moro and Filipino Christian settlers as disputes over land increased. Another grievance by the Moro people is the extraction of Mindanao's natural resources by the central government whilst many Moros continued to live in poverty.

Moro Muslims and Lumads were largely supplanted during the Spanish and American colonization programs, with Christian Filipino settlers eventually taking control of key areas along newly built roads and disrupting traditional Moro administrative structures and control over resources. The Americans preferred Christians to become administrators of newly defined townships instead of Lumad and Moro, with environmental degradation resulting from unsustainable population growth (due to the influx of settler migrants) and timber logging.<ref name="UmeharaBautista2004p22">{{cite book|author1=Hiromitsu Umehara|author2=Germelino M. Bautista|title=Communities at the Margins: Reflections on Social, Economic, and Environmental Change in the Philippines|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AA9OHro4ELYC&pg=PA22|year=2004|publisher=Ateneo University Press|isbn=978-971-550-464-5|pages=22–|access-date=August 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904003731/https://books.google.com/books?id=AA9OHro4ELYC&pg=PA22|archive-date=September 4, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Ferdinand Marcos Sr. administration (1965–1986) ==
{{See also|Jabidah massacre}}

=== Jabidah massacre ===
The active phase of the Moro conflict is attributed to news about the [[Jabidah massacre]] in March 1968 – towards the end of the first term of [[President of the Philippines|President]] [[Ferdinand Marcos]].<ref name=JabidahBangsamoroHistory>{{Cite web |last=Bangsamoro Information Office |first=Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao |date=March 17, 2021 |title=Remembering Jabidah and the seeds of the struggle |url=https://bangsamoro.gov.ph/news/latest-news/remembering-jabidah-and-the-seeds-of-the-struggle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318025403/https://bangsamoro.gov.ph/news/latest-news/remembering-jabidah-and-the-seeds-of-the-struggle/ |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |access-date=March 18, 2021 |website=BARMM Official Website |publisher=Republic of the Philippines |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="George1980">{{cite book|author=T. J. S. George|title=Revolt in Mindanao: The Rise of Islam in Philippine Politics|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HmYKAQAAIAAJ|year=1980|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-580429-4}}</ref><ref name="Smith2015">{{cite book|author=Paul J. Smith|title=Terrorism and Violence in Southeast Asia: Transnational Challenges to States and Regional Stability: Transnational Challenges to States and Regional Stability|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nG6sBwAAQBAJ&pg=PT5|date=March 26, 2015|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-317-45886-9|pages=5–}}</ref> A senate exposé based on the testimony of an alleged survivor claimed that at least 11 Filipino Muslim military trainees had been killed in [[Corregidor]] by soldiers of the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080318-125522/Lone-survivor-recalls-Jabidah-Massacre |title=Lone survivor recalls Jabidah Massacre |date=March 18, 2008 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |access-date=May 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913012356/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080318-125522/Lone-survivor-recalls-Jabidah-Massacre |archive-date=September 13, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Timeline">{{cite web |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/236761/news/specialreports/fighting-and-talking-a-mindanao-conflict-timeline |title=Fighting and talking: A Mindanao conflict timeline |date=October 27, 2011 |publisher=[[GMA News and Public Affairs]] |access-date=May 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313034932/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/236761/news/specialreports/fighting-and-talking-a-mindanao-conflict-timeline |archive-date=March 13, 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The trainees had been brought to the island of [[Corregidor]] to form a secret [[commando]] unit called "Jabidah," which would infiltrate, destabilize, and take over [[Sabah]] for the Sulu Sultan who previously owned it.<ref name="TessVitug20000402">{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2479&dat=20000402&id=P1M1AAAAIBAJ&pg=2032,892348|title=Marcos order: Destabilize, take Sabah|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=April 2, 2000|access-date=June 19, 2015|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827164202/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2479&dat=20000402&id=P1M1AAAAIBAJ&pg=2032,892348|url-status=live}}</ref> The trainees eventually rejected their mission, for reasons that are still debated by historians today. A survivor, Jibin Arula, said that whatever the reasons behind their objections, all of the recruits aside from him were killed, and he escaped only by pretending to be dead.<ref name="TessVitug20130318">{{cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/24025-jabidah-massacre-merdeka-sabah|title=Jabidah and Merdeka: The inside story|author1=Marites Dañguilan Vitug|author2=Glenda M. Gloria|publisher=[[Rappler]]|date=March 18, 2013|access-date=September 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913010948/http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/24025-jabidah-massacre-merdeka-sabah|archive-date=September 13, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The news created unrest among Filipino Muslims, especially among students.<ref name="MuslimPresident1994">{{cite book|author1=Macapado Abaton Muslim|author2=Philippines. Office of the President|author3=Mindanao State University. College of Public Affairs|title=The Moro armed struggle in the Philippines: the nonviolent autonomy alternative|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4ERxAAAAMAAJ|year=1994|publisher=Office of the President and College of Public Affairs, Mindanao State University|isbn=978-971-11-1130-4}}</ref> Both Muslim intellectuals and common people suddenly became politicized, discrediting the idea of finding integration and accommodation with the rest of the country, and creating a sense of marginalization.<ref name="George1980" /><ref name="Smith2015" />

=== Early separatist movements ===
Various organizations pushing for Moro self rule, either through autonomy or independence, were soon formed. [[Lanao del Sur]] congressman [[Haroun al-Rashid Lucman]] called for [[Congress of the Philippines|Congress]] to begin proceedings to [[impeach]] President Marcos, and ended up establishing the [[Bangsamoro Liberation Organization]] (BMLO) in frustration after the impeachment effort couldn't gather enough congressional support.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Fallon|first=Joseph E.|title=Igorot and Moro National Reemergence|journal=Fourth World Journal|volume=2|issue=1|date=August 1989|access-date=September 5, 2007|url=http://www.cwis.org/fwj/21/imnr.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070818181333/http://www.cwis.org/fwj/21/imnr.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = August 18, 2007}}</ref> [[Cotabato]] Governor Datu Udtog Matalam <ref name="RevoltinMindanao:">{{Cite book|title = Revolt in Mindanao: The Rise of Islam in Philippine Politics|last = George|first = T. J. S.|publisher = Oxford University Press|year = 1980|pages = 130–134}}</ref> established the [[Muslim Independence Movement]] (MIM), which openly called for the [[secession]] of the region to create a Muslim state,<ref>{{Cite book|title = The Contemporary Muslim Movement in the Philippines|last = Majul|first = Cesar A.|publisher = Mizan Press|year = 1985|pages = 45}}</ref> although it only lasted until Matalam negotiated with Marcos and accepted a post in the administration cabinet.<ref name="BetweenIntegrationandSecession">{{Cite book|title = Between Integration and Secession: The Muslim Communities of the Southern Philippines, Southern Thailand and Western Burma/Myanmar|last = Yegar|first = Moshe|publisher = Lexington Books|year = 2002|pages = 267–268}}</ref>

=== The Moro National Liberation Front (formed 1972) ===
On October 21, 1972,<ref name="BetweenIntegrationandSecession"/> [[University of the Philippines]] professor [[Nur Misuari]] formed the [[Moro National Liberation Front]] (MNLF) which sought the establishment of a [[Bangsamoro Republik|Moro republic]] through the force of arms,<ref name="Timeline"/> attracting many members who broke away from the MIM.<ref name="BetweenIntegrationandSecession"/>

According to the official line of the MNLF, it was founded on an ideology of [[egalitarianism]], and is thus intended as a secular movement, unlike the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]] which would later splinter from its ranks in 1978.<ref name="AsiaTimes_2013">{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/OA31Ae01.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131030643/http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/OA31Ae01.html|url-status=unfit|archive-date=January 31, 2013|title=Asia Times Online :: Moro leader looks for united front|access-date=January 26, 2015}}</ref>

From its beginnings in October 1972, the MNLF has had alternating periods of conflict and relative peace with Philippine government forces, until a [[1996 Final Peace Agreement]] during the administration of President [[Fidel V. Ramos]] - although at least one major encounter - the [[Zamboanga City crisis]] of September 9 to 28, 2013 - took place after this agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-09 |title=Zamboanga City remembers infamous 2013 siege, honors 38 heroes |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/zamboanga-city-remembers-2013-siege/ |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== The Siege of Jolo ====
{{main|Siege of Jolo}}
During one of the fiercest battles of the insurgency in 1974, [[Jolo, Sulu|Jolo]] was [[Battle of Jolo (1974)|extensively damaged]] and news of the tragedy galvanized other [[Muslim]]s around the world to pay greater attention to the conflict. Many civilians were supposedly killed when the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines|Armed Forces]] razed much of [[Jolo, Sulu|Jolo]] municipality to the ground in a scorched-earth tactic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mnlfnet.com/Articles/Editorial_07Feb2013_Revisiting%20the%20Feb%207%20Burning%20of%20Jolo.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308080642/http://mnlfnet.com/Articles/Editorial_07Feb2013_Revisiting%20the%20Feb%207%20Burning%20of%20Jolo.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 8, 2013|title=MNLF Official Website}}</ref>

==== The Malisbong massacre ====
{{main|Malisbong massacre}}
On September 24, 1974, the [[Philippine Army]] killed at least 1,000 Moro civilians who were praying in a mosque in what is known as the [[Malisbong massacre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/09/26/1500-moro-massacre-victims-during-martial-law-honored/|title=1,500 Moro massacre victims during Martial Law honored|work=MindaNews|date=September 26, 2014|access-date=September 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930033031/http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/09/26/1500-moro-massacre-victims-during-martial-law-honored/|archive-date=September 30, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== The Tripoli Agreement ====
{{main|1976 Tripoli Agreement}}
Two years later, the Philippine government and the MNLF signed the Tripoli Agreement, declaring a ceasefire on both sides. The agreement provided that Mindanao would remain a part of the Philippines, but that 13 of its provinces would be governed by an [[Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao|autonomous government for the Bangsamoro people]].<ref name="Timeline"/> President Marcos later reneged on the agreement, and violence ensued.

The Communist Party of the Philippines maintained a liaison officer in Tripoli with the MNLF.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=9 June 2012 |title="The democratic content in self-determination struggles must be safeguarded" |url=https://www.grenzeloos.org/jl/?p=413 |work=RPM-M |access-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424022004/https://www.grenzeloos.org/jl/?p=413 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Formation of the Ilaga ===
The Philippine government allegedly encouraged Christian settlers in Mindanao to form a militia called the [[Ilaga]] to fight the Moros. The Ilaga engaged in killings and human rights abuses and were responsible for the [[Manili massacre]] of 65 Moro Muslim civilians in a mosque in June 1971, including women and children.<ref>[http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20050409053403/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/EC06Ae03.html "The evolution of Philippine Muslim insurgency"] by Marco Garrido, [[Asia Times Online]] March 6, 2003, retrieved September 14, 2008</ref> The Ilaga allegedly also engaged in cannibalism, cutting off the body parts of their victims to eat in rituals.<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br1CiISWJts|title=TAD TAD|work=YouTube|access-date=January 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202015629/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br1CiISWJts|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (1978) ===
In 1978, Sheikh Salamat Hashim established the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]] (MILF), a splinter group of the MNLF seeking to establish an Islamic state.<ref name="Estrada MILF">{{cite web |url=http://hdn.org.ph/speech-of-former-president-estrada-on-the-grp-moro-conflict/ |title=Speech of Former President Estrada on the GRP-MORO Conflict |date=September 18, 2008 |publisher=Human Development Network |access-date=May 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007100949/http://hdn.org.ph/speech-of-former-president-estrada-on-the-grp-moro-conflict/ |archive-date=October 7, 2011 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Conflicts between these rebel groups and the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] continued until the end of President Marcos' regime. From 1972 to 1980, at least 50,000 people were killed in the conflict, one million people were internally displaced, and more than 100,000 Philippine Muslims fled by boat to Malaysia.<ref>{{cite book |last1=McKenna |first1=Thomas M. |title=Ch.7 Murdered or Martyred: Popular Evaluations of Violent Deaths in the Muslim Separatist Movement in the Philippines |date=2000 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=0-8122-1711-X |page=190}}</ref>

=== Silsilah Dialogue Movement (1984) ===
In 1984, Italian Catholic priest Fr D’Ambra began a movement called the Silsilah Dialogue Movement which focuses on formation of people from different religions to encourage understanding and interreligious dialogue in Mindanao. Over time, Fr D’Ambra realised that besides strengthening interreligious ties, the Catholic community also needed a better grounding in the faith, founding the Emmaus Dialogue Movement to address this challenge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=d'Avillez |first=Filipe |date=2024-05-08 |title=Philippines: Strengthening the faith of Catholics in Mindanao |url=https://acninternational.org/philippines-strengthening-the-faith-of-catholics-in-mindanao/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=ACN International |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Corazon Aquino and Ramos administrations (1986–1998) ==
[[File:Corazon Aquino inauguration.jpg|thumb|300px|Corazon Aquino was inaugurated as the [[List of presidents of the Philippines|11th]] [[president of the Philippines]] on February 25, 1986, at Sampaguita Hall (Now Kalayaan Hall).]]

=== Negotiations after the People Power Revolution ===
Soon after becoming [[President of the Philippines]] as a result of the civilian-led [[People Power Revolution]], [[Corazon Aquino]] arranged a meeting with the MNLF chairman Nur Misuari and several MNLF rebel groups in [[Sulu]], which paved the way for a series of negotiations.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Villegas |first=Bernardo M. |date=1987-02-01 |title=The Philippines in 1986: Democratic Reconstruction in the Post-Marcos Era |url=https://online.ucpress.edu/as/article/27/2/194/22346/The-Philippines-in-1986-Democratic-Reconstruction |journal=Asian Survey |language=en |volume=27 |issue=2 |pages=194–205 |doi=10.2307/2644614 |jstor=2644614 |issn=0004-4687|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

=== Creation of the ARMM ===
In 1989, the [[Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao]] (ARMM) was created under Republic Act No. 6734 or the ARMM Organic Act, pursuant to the [[Constitution of the Philippines|1987 Constitution]].<ref name="ARMM History and Organization">{{cite web |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/112847/news/armm-history-and-organization |title=ARMM history and organization |date=August 11, 2008 |publisher=[[GMA News and Public Affairs]] |access-date=May 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716004133/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/112847/news/armm-history-and-organization |archive-date=July 16, 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Under the [[Presidency of Fidel V. Ramos|Presidency]] of [[Fidel V. Ramos]], several negotiations and peace talks<ref name="scribd.com"/> were held and the ARMM solidified and was to have its own geopolitical system.<ref name="Timeline"/>

On 9–11 December 1997 the MNLF brought the pagan indigenous Lumad leader Mai Tuan to Tehran to attend the eight OIC Islamic Summit Conference.<ref>{{cite book |last=Omar |first=Ibrahim S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PyplDwAAQBAJ&dq=mai+tuan+tehran&pg=PT270 |title=Diary of a Colonized Native: (Years of Hidden Colonial Slavery) |publisher=Partridge Publishing Singapore |year=2018 |isbn=978-1543743272 |location= |page=}}</ref>

=== Formation of the Abu Sayyaf Group ===
In 1991, Abdurajak Janjalani, a former teacher who had studied [[Islam]] in the [[Middle East]], formed the [[Abu Sayyaf|Abu Sayyaf Group]] after reportedly meeting [[Osama bin Laden]] in [[Afghanistan]] in the 1980s. Janjalani recruited former members of the MNLF for the more radical and theocratic Abu Sayyaf.<ref name="Timeline"/>

== Estrada administration (1998–2001) ==
{{See also|2000 Philippine campaign against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front}}
[[Image:Ph ARMM.png|thumb|right|Political map of the [[Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao]] (ARMM)]]
{{Cleanup press release|section|an AFP or Estrada Administration Press Release|date=August 2022}}

=== Estrada's "All Out War" policy ===
During his term, President [[Joseph Estrada|Joseph Ejercito Estrada]] declared an "all-out war" against the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front|MILF]] on March 21, 2000, although a series of negotiations for cessation of hostilities were held.<ref name="Estrada MILF" /> Apparently, several conflicts in and around Mindanao erupted and clashes between the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines|Philippine military]] and the rebel groups resulted in substantial loss of life.

During Estrada's term, the rebel groups kidnapped three [[Italy|Italian]] priests, two of whom were later released and one shot dead;<ref name="IP1">{{cite news |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/15563/what-went-before-third-italian-priest-killed |title=WHAT WENT BEFORE: Third Italian priest killed |date=October 18, 2011 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |access-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221072956/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/15563/what-went-before-third-italian-priest-killed |archive-date=December 21, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IP2">{{cite web |url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=738550&publicationSubCategoryId=63 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201040559/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=738550&publicationSubCategoryId=63 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |title=Italian priest shot dead in Mindanao |date=October 18, 2011 |work=[[The Philippine Star]] |access-date=May 3, 2012 }}</ref> seized the municipal hall of [[Talayan, Maguindanao|Talayan]], [[Maguindanao]], and [[Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte|Kauswagan]], [[Lanao del Norte]]; bombed the RORO ferry M/V ''Our Lady of Mediatrix'' at [[Ozamiz]]; and took over Narciso Ramos Highway. All these incidents resulted in massive loss of investments abroad, especially in the area of Mindanao.

As a result, the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] launched a successful campaign against the rebel groups; 43 minor camps, 13 major camps including the MILF headquarters, and Camp Abubakar<ref name="Camp Abubakar">{{cite news |url=http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/22849-The-fall-of-MILFs-Camp-Abubakar-in-Maguindanao-10-years-ago.html |title=The fall of MILF's Camp Abubakar in Maguindanao 10 years ago |date=July 10, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402143827/http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/22849-The-fall-of-MILFs-Camp-Abubakar-in-Maguindanao-10-years-ago.html |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> fell. The MILF suffered heavy losses and the head of the MILF, Sheikh Salamat Hashim, fled the country and sought refuge in [[Malaysia]]. On October 5, 2000, 609 rebels surrendered in [[Cagayan de Oro]], along with renegade town mayor Mulapandi Cosain Sarip.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.albawaba.com/en/node/165627 |title=Over 600 Muslim Rebels Surrender, Philippine Leader Says more to Follow |date=October 5, 2000 |access-date=May 5, 2012}}</ref> This was followed by another surrender of 855 rebels on December 29, 2000. President Estrada then ordered that the [[Flag of the Philippines|Philippine flag]] be raised in Mindanao, which symbolized victory. It was raised on July 9, 2000, near a [[Madh'hab]] and again the next day for President Estrada, who held a feast inside a classroom just meters away from a mosque.<ref name="Camp Abubakar" />

=== Retaliatory attacks ===
As a result, several Islamic rebel groups retaliated, [[Rizal Day Bombings|bombing several key locations]] within the [[Metro Manila|National Capital Region]] on December 30, 2000, resulting in 22 deaths and hundreds of people injured. Saifullah Yunos, one of the perpetrators, was arrested in [[Cagayan de Oro]] as he was about to board a plane bound for Manila in May 2003.<ref name="MST2003May26">{{cite news |title=Rizal Day suspect caught |url=http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police03_may26_2003 |author=Joel M. Sy Egco |work=[[Manila Standard Today]] |date=May 26, 2003 |access-date=February 15, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012141242/http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police03_may26_2003 |archive-date=October 12, 2007 }}</ref> In 2004, two members of the [[Jemaah Islamiyah]] were arrested, namely Mamasao Naga and Abdul Pata, as they were identified by [[Fathur Rahman al-Ghozi]] as responsible for the train bombing.<ref name="SunStar2">{{cite web |title=Gov't seeks re-raffling of LRT bombing case |url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2003/12/30/news/gov.t.seeks.re.raffling.of.lrt.bombing.case.html |author=Benjamin Pulta |author2=Miko Santos |date=December 30, 2003 |work=[[Sun.Star]] |access-date=February 8, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050507211423/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2003/12/30/news/gov.t.seeks.re.raffling.of.lrt.bombing.case.html |archive-date=May 7, 2005 }}</ref> Al-Ghozi was also arrested, but was later killed in a firefight when he tried to escape from prison on October 13, 2003.

== Arroyo administration (2001–2010) ==
On May 27, 2001, the Abu Sayyaf [[Dos Palmas kidnappings|seized twenty hostages]] from an upscale resort in [[Palawan]]. Four of the hostages managed to escape.<ref name="bbc20013">{{cite news | title = Philippines hostage search begins | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1354071.stm | work = BBC News | date = May 27, 2001 | access-date = March 23, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120723062820/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1354071.stm | archive-date = July 23, 2012 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> The kidnapping group composed of 40 gunmen then seized the Dr. Jose Torres Memorial Hospital and St. Peter's Church compound in the town of [[Lamitan]] in [[Basilan]]<ref>{{cite news | title = Abu Sayyaf kidnappings, bombings and other attacks | url = http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154797/abu-sayyaf-kidnappings-bombings-and-other-attacks | work = GMA News | date = August 23, 2007 | access-date = March 22, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100422202244/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154797/abu-sayyaf-kidnappings-bombings-and-other-attacks | archive-date = April 22, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> and claimed to have taken captive 200 people, although 20 people were confirmed to be taken captive inside the hospital, including the staff and the patients.<ref name = "bbc20012">{{cite news | title = Philippines hostage crisis deepens | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1365491.stm | work = BBC News | date = June 2, 2001 | access-date = March 23, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121007181433/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1365491.stm | archive-date = October 7, 2012 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref name = "cdnn2001">{{cite news | title = Abu Sayyaf bandits kill two hostages, escape military siege | url = http://www.cdnn.info/industry/i010604/i010604.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516012735/http://www.cdnn.info/industry/i010604/i010604.html |archive-date=May 16, 2008 | work = CDNN | date = June 4, 2001 | access-date = March 23, 2010}}</ref>

There was a crossfire between the Philippine Army and [[Abu Sayyaf]] rebels in [[Lamitan]] following the hospital takeover which resulted in the deaths of 12 soldiers, including the army captain.<ref name = "cdnn2001" /> Up to 22 soldiers were reportedly killed in an effort to rescue the hostages.

Five more captives escaped during the battle at Lamitan. Two of the captives were killed prior to the siege in Lamitan, including one beheading.<ref name="bbc20013" /> The Abu Sayyaf then conducted a [[Dos Palmas kidnappings|series of raids]], including one at a coconut plantation<ref name = "bbccoconut">{{cite news | title = Philippines offer averts beheading | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1382335.stm | work = BBC News | date = June 11, 2001 | access-date = March 23, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160115094703/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1382335.stm | archive-date = January 15, 2016 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> where the rebel groups hacked the heads of two men using [[bolo knife|bolo knives]]. The owners and a security guard were also held captive and the rebel groups burned down two buildings, including a [[chapel]], a week after the battle in [[Lamitan]].<ref name = "bbccoconut" /> Another raid was conducted on August 2, 2001, on Barangay Balobo in [[Lamitan]], [[Basilan]]. After three days, the Philippine Army rescued numerous hostages<ref name = "bbclamitan2">{{cite news | title = Hostages rescued in the Philippines | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1474111.stm | work = BBC News | date = August 5, 2002 | access-date = March 23, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160115094703/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1474111.stm | archive-date = January 15, 2016 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> after they overtook the hideout of the militants, where 11 bodies were found beheaded.<ref>{{cite news | title = Balobo Killings in Basilan Province, August 2, 2001 | url = https://www.hrw.org/reports/2007/philippines0707/background/2.htm#_Toc168986103 | publisher = Human Rights Watch | date = July 2007 | access-date = March 23, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170214224559/https://www.hrw.org/reports/2007/philippines0707/background/2.htm#_Toc168986103 | archive-date = February 14, 2017 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Other hostages were either released or had escaped.<ref name = "bbclamitan2" />

On June 13, 2001, the number of hostages was calculated at around 28, as three more people were found beheaded in [[Basilan]],<ref name = "bbc28">{{cite news | title = Philippines bodies identified | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1386377.stm | work = BBC News | date = June 13, 2001 | access-date = March 23, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160115094703/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1386377.stm | archive-date = January 15, 2016 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> including Guillermo Sobero.<ref name = "bbc20014">{{cite news | title = US hostage confirmed dead | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1595098.stm | work = BBC News | date = October 12, 2001 | access-date = March 23, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100924063148/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1595098.stm | archive-date = September 24, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> They were beheaded since the Philippine Army would not halt the rescue operation.<ref name = "bbc20014" />

The Burnhams were still in the group of 14 still held captive, according to three hostages who escaped in October 2001.<ref name = "bbc20014" /> On June 7, 2002, after a year of the hostages being held captive, a rescue mission was conducted resulting in the deaths of Martin Burnham and a nurse named Ediborah Yap<ref name = "bbc20015">{{cite news | title = Hostages die in Philippine rescue bid | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2031004.stm | work = BBC News | date = June 7, 2002 | access-date = March 23, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140104132522/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2031004.stm | archive-date = January 4, 2014 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> after they were caught in the crossfire. Martin was killed by three gunshots to the chest while Gracia Burnham was wounded in her right leg. By this time Nur Misuari ordered his supporters to attack government targets to prevent the [[2001 Philippine general election|holding of elections]] on ARMM in November 2001, ushering his exit as the governor of the region.<ref name="Timeline"/> Misuari would be later arrested in 2007 in [[Malaysia]] and was deported back to the Philippines for trial.<ref name="Timeline"/>

In July 2004, Gracia Burnham testified at a trial of eight Abu Sayyaf members, identifying six of the suspects as being her former captors, including Alhamzer Limbong, Abdul Azan Diamla, Abu Khari Moctar, Bas Ishmael, Alzen Jandul and Dazid Baize. Fourteen Abu Sayyaf members were sentenced to [[life imprisonment]] while four were [[Acquittal|acquitted]]. Alhamzer Limbong was later killed in a [[prison riot|prison uprising]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Philippines Brace for Retaliation |url=http://www.graciaburnham.org/index.asp?sec=3_1 |agency=Associated Press |date=June 7, 2002 |access-date=March 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100509081455/http://www.graciaburnham.org/index.asp?sec=3_1 |archive-date=May 9, 2010 }}</ref>

These rebel groups, especially the [[Abu Sayyaf]], conducted several terror attacks, namely the [[2002 Zamboanga City bombings|bombings at Zamboanga]] in October 2002; the [[2004 SuperFerry 14 bombing|bombing of SuperFerry 14]] in February 2004; the [[2006 Central Mindanao bombings|simultaneous bombings in Central Mindanao]] in October 2006; the [[2007 Basilan beheading incident|beheadings of several Philippine Marines]] in July 2007; the [[Batasang Pambansa bombing]] in November 2007; and the 2009 [[July 2009 Mindanao bombings|bombings in Mindanao]].

One thousand [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front|MILF]] rebels under the command of [[Umbra Kato]] have seized control of thirty-five villages in the [[North Cotabato]] province.  Two thousand Philippine troops with helicopters and artillery were sent into the seized area on August 9 to liberate it from the rebels. The MILF had wanted North Cotabato to be included in the [[Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao]]. The government and MILF had been negotiating for the inclusion of the province in the Muslim Autonomous Region but the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines|Supreme Court]] had struck down the proposal after hearing concerns from local Christian leaders in the region.

The rebel troops were ordered to leave the area by their commanders, but the contingents under Kato refused to leave the villages they had occupied and instead dug in.  The Philippine Army responded on August 9 by bombarding them. The next day, the government forces moved to retake the villages, recapturing two of them from the rebels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hqj_Uwh8CPUyGJS7MKQQqApGO_pw |title=AFP: Philippine military pound rebel Muslim positions |access-date=March 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915155834/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hqj_Uwh8CPUyGJS7MKQQqApGO_pw |archive-date=September 15, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0811/p99s01-duts.html |title=Clashes with Muslim rebels in Philippines displace thousands |author=Huma Yusuf |newspaper=[[The Christian Science Monitor]] |date=August 11, 2008 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224080304/http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0811/p99s01-duts.html |archive-date=December 24, 2008 }}</ref>

Numerous clashes erupted between the Philippine Army and rebel groups, such as the clash on June 14, 2009, that killed 10 rebels.<ref>{{cite news | title = 10 MILF rebels killed in Freedom Day clashes | url = http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/13693-10-MILF-rebels-killed-in-Freedom-Day-clashes.html | publisher = Zambotimes | date = June 14, 2009 | access-date = May 8, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140915020044/http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/13693-10-MILF-rebels-killed-in-Freedom-Day-clashes.html | archive-date = September 15, 2014 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Between 2002 and 2015, the Philippines and the [[United States]] were part of a joint military campaign against Islamist terrorism known as [[Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Philippines-Mindanao conflict – At a Glance | url = http://www.alertnet.org/db/crisisprofiles/PH_SEP.htm?v=at_a_glance | work = [[Reuters|AlertNet]] | access-date = May 6, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090528053050/http://www.alertnet.org/db/crisisprofiles/PH_SEP.htm?v=at_a_glance | archive-date = May 28, 2009 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> This was part of the [[War on Terror]].

== Benigno Aquino administration (2010–2016) ==
{{Update|section|reason=Future plans mentioned in pre-2016 sources need to be updated to indicate whether they took place or not\|date=June 2022}}

=== Peace talks and Aquino-Murad meeting ===
During the term of [[President of the Philippines|President]] [[Benigno Aquino III]], a series of peace talks for the cessation of hostilities was held, including the meeting of [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front|MILF]] Chair Al Haj Murad Ibrahim in [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] which was lauded on both sides.<ref name="Timeline"/> [[Norway]] also joined the [[International Monitoring Team]] (IMT) in January 2011, overseeing the ceasefire agreement between the government and MILF on [[Mindanao]]. Despite the peace talks, a series of conflicts erupted. On September 10, 2011, Jal Idris, a hardcore member of Abu Sayyaf, was arrested by government forces after a crossfire between the [[Philippine Army]] and the rebel group<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2011/09/10/suspected-abu-sayyaf-hardcore-man-falls-178430 | title=Government Forces Arrest Suspected Abu Sayyaf Hardcore Man | newspaper=[[Sun.Star]] | date=September 10, 2011 | access-date=September 10, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112091322/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2011/09/10/suspected-abu-sayyaf-hardcore-man-falls-178430 | archive-date=November 12, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] also killed three Abu Sayyaf militants in a stand-off<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.sacbee.com/2011/09/11/3900765/filipino-troops-kill-3-gunmen.html | title=Filipino Troops kill 3 Gunmen Allied to Abu Sayyaf | agency=Associated Press | date=September 11, 2011}}{{dead link|date=April 2016}}</ref> the day after the arrest of Jal Idris.

Terrorism continued throughout President Aquino's term. Notable cases include when four merchants and a guide were killed by Abu Sayyaf bandits in January 2011.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/298031/five-killed-suspected-abu-sayyaf-bandits-basilan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915033055/http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/298031/five-killed-suspected-abu-sayyaf-bandits-basilan |archive-date=September 15, 2012 | title=Five killed by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan |work=[[Manila Bulletin]] |date=January 12, 2011 |access-date= May 8, 2012}}</ref> Later a soldier was killed in a clash against the rebels.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/08/08/1067431/one-soldier-killed-basilan-clash-muslim-rebels| title=One Soldier killed in Basilan clash| work=Philippine Star| access-date=May 7, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140507040626/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/08/08/1067431/one-soldier-killed-basilan-clash-muslim-rebels| archive-date=May 7, 2014| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> In August 2011, rebel factions attacked a village in [[Sulu]], killing seven Marines and taking seven civilians captive. They later freed two of the hostages after a ransom was paid.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20110828060153 | title=2 kidnapped traders freed in Philippines | work=The Mindanao Examiner | date=August 28, 2011 | access-date=September 1, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112112252/http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20110828060153 | archive-date=November 12, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Also, several areas of Mindanao were bombed in August by the government, and a Filipino businesswoman was abducted in September 2011,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://comments.startribune.com/comments.php?d=content_comments&asset_id=129245758&section=/world | title=Gunmen Abduct Filipino Businesswoman in Southern Philippines, Officials Say | work=Star Tribune | date=September 4, 2011 | access-date=May 5, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004084525/http://comments.startribune.com/comments.php?d=content_comments&asset_id=129245758&section=%2Fworld | archive-date=October 4, 2018 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> who was later freed after the three gunmen were gunned down by the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.newsrt.us/news/philippine-troops-kill-3-militants-rescue-trader-232337.html | title=Philippine Troops Kill 3 Militants, Rescue Trader |website=newsrt.us| publisher=Associated Press | date=September 19, 2011 | access-date=January 8, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108021632/http://www.newsrt.us/news/philippine-troops-kill-3-militants-rescue-trader-232337.html | archive-date=January 8, 2014 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

On October 20, 2011, the MILF was blamed for an attack on 40 government soldiers in the province of [[Basilan]], which led to the deaths of 19 soldiers and six MILF fighters.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/78739/19-soldiers-slain-in-basilan | title=19 Soldiers slain in Basilan | work=Inquirer.net | date=October 20, 2011 | access-date=January 2, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102030339/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/78739/19-soldiers-slain-in-basilan | archive-date=January 2, 2015 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> This violated the ceasefire agreement between the government and MILF, which caused outrage in the government and led to the continuation of the war against [[Terrorism in the Philippines|terrorism in the country]].

In February 2013, two main camps of the Abu Sayyaf group were overrun by forces of the [[Moro National Liberation Front]] (MNLF) in its latest offensive in [[Patikul]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/09/13/mnlf-overruns-2-abu-sayyaf-camps|title=MNLF overruns 2 Abu Sayyaf camps|first=Roel|last=Pareño|work=The Philippine Star|date=February 9, 2013|access-date=March 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212043430/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/09/13/mnlf-overruns-2-abu-sayyaf-camps|archive-date=February 12, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> According to MNLF leader Nur Misuari, the MNLF offensive against the Abu Sayyaf is because of the MNLF opposition to the Abu Sayyaf's human rights abuses, which go against [[Islam]].

=== Zamboanga City crisis ===
The [[Zamboanga City crisis]] erupted on September 9, 2013, when a MNLF faction known by other groups as the Rogue MNLF Elements (RME), under the Sulu State Revolutionary Command (SSRC), led by Ustadz Habier Malik and Khaid Ajibon attempted to raise the flag of the self-proclaimed [[Bangsamoro Republik]] at [[Zamboanga City]] Hall (which had earlier declared its independence on August 12, 2013, in Talipao, Sulu), and took civilians hostage. This armed incursion was met by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), which sought to free the hostages and expel the MNLF from the city. The standoff degenerated into urban warfare, and had brought parts of the city under a standstill for days. On September 28, the government declared the end of military operations in Zamboanga City after successfully defeating the MNLF and rescuing all the hostages.

=== Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro ===
{{main|Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro}}
On January 24, 2014, the Philippines government chief negotiator [[Miriam Coronel-Ferrer]] and MILF chief negotiator [[Murad Ebrahim]] signed a peace agreement in [[Kuala Lumpur]]. The agreement would pave the way for the creation of the new Muslim autonomous entity called "Bangsamoro" under a law to be approved by the Philippine Congress.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Reuters |date=September 10, 2014 |title=Philippines' Aquino asks Congress to enact Muslim autonomy law |newspaper=The Rakyat Post |location=Kuala Lumpur |url=http://www.therakyatpost.com/world/2014/09/10/philippines-aquino-asks-congress-enact-muslim-autonomy-law/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915015658/http://www.therakyatpost.com/world/2014/09/10/philippines-aquino-asks-congress-enact-muslim-autonomy-law/ |archive-date=September 15, 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 15, 2014 }}</ref> The government aims to set up the region by 2016. The agreement calls for Muslim self-rule in parts of the southern Philippines in exchange for a deactivation of rebel forces by the MILF. MILF forces would turn over their firearms to a third party to be selected by the MILF and the Philippine government. A regional police force would be established, and the Philippine military would reduce the presence of troops and help disband private armies in the area.<ref name="PhilippinePeaceBreakthrough2014">{{cite news |url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/print/391473/ |title=Philippine peace breakthrough |date=January 25, 2014 |newspaper=Bangkok Post}}</ref> On March 27, 2014, the peace process concluded with the signing of the [[Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro]] between the [[Government of the Philippines]] and the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]].

''[[The New York Times]]'' claimed that the [[Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro|peace deal between the Philippines and MILF]] "seeks to bring prosperity to the restive south and weaken the appeal of the extremist groups", and linked the winding down of [[Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines|an American military counterterrorism operation]] to increased American military cooperation with the Philippines against China.<ref>{{cite news |last1=WHALEY |first1=FLOYD |last2=SCHMITT |first2=ERIC |date=June 26, 2014 |title=U.S. Phasing Out Its Counterterrorism Unit in Philippines |url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/06/27/world/asia/us-will-disband-terrorism-task-force-in-philippines.html |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023015520/http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/06/27/world/asia/us-will-disband-terrorism-task-force-in-philippines.html |archive-date=October 23, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' hailed Mr Aquino's peace agreement as an "accomplishment" as it reported on Aquino raising the alarm on China in the South China Sea.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bradsher |first=KEITH |date=February 5, 2014 |title=Philippine Leader Sounds Alarm on China |url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/02/06/world/asia/philippines.html |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102041411/http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/02/06/world/asia/philippines.html |archive-date=November 2, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' editorial board published an article siding with the Philippines against China in the South China Sea dispute and supporting the Philippines' actions against China.<ref>{{cite news |author=THE EDITORIAL BOARD |date=July 17, 2015 |title=The South China Sea, in Court |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/17/opinion/the-south-china-sea-in-court.html |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709073704/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/17/opinion/the-south-china-sea-in-court.html |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=THE EDITORIAL BOARD |date=April 2, 2014 |title=Risky Games in the South China Sea |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/03/opinion/risky-games-in-the-south-china-sea.html |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709080240/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/03/opinion/risky-games-in-the-south-china-sea.html |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' editorial board endorsed aggressive American military action against China in the South China Sea.<ref>{{cite news |author=THE EDITORIAL BOARD |date=May 29, 2015 |title=Pushback in the South China Sea |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/30/opinion/pushback-in-the-south-china-sea.html |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709082753/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/30/opinion/pushback-in-the-south-china-sea.html |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=THE EDITORIAL BOARD |date=July 12, 2014 |title=Still at Odds With China |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/13/opinion/sunday/still-at-odds-with-china.html |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709073434/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/13/opinion/sunday/still-at-odds-with-china.html |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Abu Sayyaf association with ISIL ===
{{See also|Islamic state in the Philippines}}
On July 23, 2014, [[Abu Sayyaf]] leader Isnilon Hapilon swore loyalty to [[Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi]] in a video, along with the rest of the organization, giving the [[Islamic State]] (known as ISIL and ISIS) a presence in the Philippines.<ref name="Abu Sayyaf leader swears oath of loyalty to ISIL">{{cite web |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/65199-abu-sayyaf-leader-oath-isis |title=Senior Abu Sayyaf leader swears oath to ISIS |author=Maria A. Ressa |date=August 4, 2014 |publisher=Rappler |access-date=March 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215233541/http://www.rappler.com/nation/65199-abu-sayyaf-leader-oath-isis |archive-date=February 15, 2015 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref name="ISIL gains supporters">{{cite web |url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/11/isis-now-has-military-allies-in-11-countries.html |title=ISIS Now Has Military Allies in 11 Countries |department=Daily Intelligencer |work=New York |date=November 23, 2014 |access-date=November 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626130641/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/11/isis-now-has-military-allies-in-11-countries.html |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In September 2014, the group began kidnapping people to ransom, in the name of ISIL.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/24/islamists-philippines-threaten-kill-german-hostages-isis |title=Islamists in Philippines threaten to kill German hostages |author=Philip Oltermann |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=September 24, 2014 |access-date=March 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062947/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/24/islamists-philippines-threaten-kill-german-hostages-isis |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

=== Mamasapano clash ===
On January 25, 2015, the Philippine National Police's [[Special Action Force]] (SAF) conducted [[2015 Mamasapano clash|an operation]] to capture [[Abdul Basit Usman]] and the Malaysian terrorist leader [[Zulkifli Abdhir|Marwan]] in [[Mamasapano, Maguindanao]]. They were trapped between the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front|MILF]]'s 105th Base Command, the BIFF, and several armed groups. Forty four SAF members were killed on what is known as the [[Mamasapano clash]], but they were able to eliminate Marwan. Alleged United States involvement in the botched operation would likely be a setback for a so-called Asian "pivot" by the [[United States Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cloud |first1=David S. |last2=Leon |first2=Sunshine de |date=September 10, 2015 |title=A heavy price paid for botched terrorist raid by Philippines and U.S. |url=http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-botched-terror-raid-20150910-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912160038/http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-botched-terror-raid-20150910-story.html |archive-date=September 12, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2015, the BIFF unsuccessfully fought for territory in the boundary of [[Maguindanao]] and [[North Cotabato]] provinces. Subsequently, the Philippine Army, along with the Philippine Marines, declared a state of all-out-war against the BIFF. MILF forces were pulled out to prevent them from falling victim to the fighting.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

== Duterte administration (2016–2022) ==
The MILF and MNLF have expressed their commitment to peace and in finally ending the 47-year-old insurgency while the offensive against Abu Sayyaf and other splinter groups have continued, with skirmishes in [[Jolo]], [[Basilan]] and other parts of Mindanao. A [[2016 Davao City bombing|bombing in Davao City]] in September 2016 killed 15 people.

=== Maute group attack and siege of Marawi ===
{{See also|Siege of Marawi}}
On May 23, 2017, the [[Maute group]] [[Marawi crisis|attacked Marawi]], they were led by the Malaysian terrorists. President [[Rodrigo Duterte]] declared [[Proclamation No. 216]], which placed the whole of Mindanao under a state of [[martial law]] and suspended [[habeas corpus|the writ of habeas corpus]]. Clashes continued until October 2017 as the battle for Marawi City pitted Islamic militants against the Philippine government forces. Violence was severe. The government used heavy artillery and air strikes to shell Abu Sayyaf and Maute positions while the militant groups resorted to executing captured Christians.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=November 2017|title='The Battle of Marawi': Death and Destruction in the Philippines|url=https://www.amnesty.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Philippines-The-Battle-of-Marawi-ASA-35.7427.2017-FINAL.pdf|journal=Amnesty International|pages=13–26|access-date=May 21, 2019|archive-date=May 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529091910/https://www.amnesty.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Philippines-The-Battle-of-Marawi-ASA-35.7427.2017-FINAL.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, two bombing incidents involving Abu Sayyaf and the [[Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters|BIFF]] occurred, [[2018 Lamitan bombing|one]] in [[Lamitan]], [[Basilan]] and [[2018 Isulan bombings|two separate incidents]] in [[Isulan]], [[Sultan Kudarat]].

=== Passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law ===
{{main|Bangsamoro Organic Law}}
On July 26, 2018, Duterte signed the [[Bangsamoro Organic Law]],<ref name="PhilStar-DuterteSignsBOL">{{cite news |last1=Romero |first1=Alexis |title=Duterte signs Bangsamoro Organic Law |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/07/26/1837066/duterte-signs-bangsamoro-organic-law |work=The Philippine Star |date=July 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727112454/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/07/26/1837066/duterte-signs-bangsamoro-organic-law |archive-date=July 27, 2018}}</ref><ref name="MB-DuterteSignsBOL">{{cite news |last1=Geducos |first1=Argyll Cyrus |title=Duterte signs Bangsamoro Law |url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/26/duterte-signs-bangsamoro-law/ |work=Manila Bulletin |date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727032048/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/26/duterte-signs-bangsamoro-law/ |archive-date=July 27, 2018}}</ref> which abolished the [[Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao]] and provided for the basic structure of government for the [[Bangsamoro Autonomous Region]], following the agreements set forth in the [[Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro]] peace agreement signed between the [[Government of the Philippines]] under President Benigno Aquino III and the MILF in 2014.<ref name="gmafaqs">{{Cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=September 10, 2014 |title=FAQs about the Bangsamoro Basic Law |work=GMA News Online |publisher=GMA Network |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/378530/news/nation/faqs-about-the-bangsamoro-basic-law |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910093652/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/378530/news/nation/faqs-about-the-bangsamoro-basic-law |archive-date=September 10, 2014}}</ref> From June 2019<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aurelio |first1=Julie M. |title=MILF decommissioning starts |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1131720/milf-decommissioning-starts |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=June 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618233513/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1131720/milf-decommissioning-starts |archive-date=June 18, 2019 |location=Manila}}</ref> to May 2022, as part of the "normalization process" of the Bangsamoro's war-to-peace transition, a total of about 19,200 former MILF combatants and 2,100 weapons were [[Demobilization|decommissioned]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kabagani |first1=Lade Jean |title=Comprehensive peace process flourished under Duterte admin |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175552 |work=Philippine News Agency |date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605135037/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175552 |archive-date=June 5, 2022 |location=Manila}}</ref><ref name="CrisisOrg-AsiaReport-Feb2022">{{cite journal |title=Southern Philippines: Fostering an Inclusive Bangsamoro |journal=Asia Report |issue=322 |date=February 18, 2022 |page=4 |url=https://d2071andvip0wj.cloudfront.net/322-southern-philippines-inclusive-bangsamoro.pdf |publisher=[[International Crisis Group]] |location=Brussels, Belgium|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218161425/https://d2071andvip0wj.cloudfront.net/322-southern-philippines-inclusive-bangsamoro.pdf |archive-date=February 18, 2022 }}</ref>

== Bongbong Marcos administration (2022–present) ==
{{expand section|date=September 2023}}
[[File:2023 Marawi bombing.jpg|thumb|Marawi bombing aftermath]]
In August 2022, two armed Moro group clashed in Cotabato City, forcing hundreds of locals out of the area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Unson |first=John |title=Villagers displaced as Moro groups clash in North Cotabato |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/08/11/2201946/villagers-displaced-moro-groups-clash-north-cotabato |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Philstar.com |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820214922/https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/08/11/2201946/villagers-displaced-moro-groups-clash-north-cotabato |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 19 September 2023, a civilian was hit by a stray bullet and killed in firefights between two rival clans affiliated with the MILF in Barangays Kaya-Kaya and Tukanolocong <ref>{{Cite web |title=ACLED Dashboard |url=https://acleddata.com/dashboard/ |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=ACLED |language=en-US}}</ref>

On  23 November, a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front  was killed while five others were wounded in explosions in [[Cotabato]] and [[Maguindanao del Sur]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=MILF member killed, 5 other hurt in explosions |website=[[The Philippine STAR]] |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/11/25/2314048/milf-member-killed-5-others-hurt-explosions}}</ref>

In 2023, the government declared that [[Sulu|Sulu province]] was free of Abu Sayyaf militants.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Liedtke |first=Michael |date=2008-12-10 |title=Google updates search index with old magazines |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28156997/ |access-date=2023-09-05 |archive-date=November 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119040216/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28156997/ |url-status=unfit }}</ref> In [[Basilan|Basilan province]], the government announced that it would build 39 houses for former Abu Sayyaf members.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Banzuelo |first=Neil |date=2023-08-07 |title=Ex-Abu Sayyaf men to get houses |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2023/08/07/538297/ex-abu-sayyaf-men-to-get-houses/ |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=BusinessWorld Online |language=en-US |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905235737/https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2023/08/07/538297/ex-abu-sayyaf-men-to-get-houses/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2023, [[ISIS]] claimed responsibility for a deadly explosion that claimed four lives ([[Mindanao State University bombing]]).<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Chen |first1=Heather |last2=Stambaugh |first2=Alex |date=2023-12-03 |title=ISIS claims deadly blast at Catholic mass in southern Philippines |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/02/asia/explosion-sunday-mass-gym-philippines-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Philippines}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Communist rebellion in the Philippines]]
* [[Cross border attacks in Sabah]]
* [[Demographics of the Philippines]]
* [[Freedom of religion in the Philippines]]
* [[History of the Philippines]]
* [[Islam in Asia]]
* [[Islam in the Philippines]]
* [[Manili massacre]]
* [[Moro people]]
* [[Moro Rebellion]]
* [[Peace process with the Bangsamoro in the Philippines]]
* [[Refugees of the Philippines]]
* [[Religion in the Philippines]]
* [[Rohingya conflict]]
* [[Rohingya genocide]]
* [[South Thailand insurgency]]
* [[Spanish–Moro Wars]]
* [[Terrorism in the Philippines]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
*{{cite book|author=Salah Jubair|title=Bangsamoro, a Nation Under Endless Tyranny|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B3RwAAAAMAAJ|year=1999|publisher=IQ Marin}}
*{{cite book|author=Kadir Che Man (W.)|title=Muslim Separatism: The Moros of Southern Philippines and the Malays of Southern Thailand|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3WoeAAAAMAAJ|year=1990|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-588924-6}}
*{{cite book|author=Bobby M. Tuazon|title=The Moro reader: history and contemporary struggles of the Bangsamoro people|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c7AMAQAAMAAJ|year=2008|publisher=Policy Study Publication and Advocacy, Center for People Empowerment in Governance in partnership with Light a Candle Movement for Social Change|isbn=978-971-93651-6-7}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141018215424/http://mnlfnet.com/ Moro National Liberation Front]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20181127004849/http://www.morobloggers.com/ Moro Bloggers]

{{Moro conflict|state=collapsed}}
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