TA-ANALYSIS: Growing Terror Threat in Philippines, page 1

posted on Feb, 19 2005 @ 11:16 AM

link

The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the Misuari Breakaway Group (MBG) are two factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which has been considered dissolved since entering into peace talks with the Philippine government in the early 1990's. New intelligence shows the ASG and MBG have begun to combine, and could represent a far greater threat in their union. Recent intelligence points toward planned attacks by the combined groups.

www.thedivinesibyl.com
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) evolved from the Mindanao Independence Movement which was formed in the 1960's by Nur Misuari in protest to the Philippine governments promotion of Christians moving to the Mindanao region. At the time of the forming of the Mindanao Independence Movement, the movement of Christians to the area had resulted in a majority of Christian presence in that region. Tensions had been increasing since the 1950's when the Philippine government had begun encouraging the migration. Though the MNLF is considered to have dissolved in the early 90's after peace talks with the Philippine government were initiated, but from it came several rebel groups which persisted. And of the splinter groups from the MNLF, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), translated "Bearer of the Sword", is the most violent terrorist group operating in the region.(1)(2) The Navy terrorist group database describes them as "brutally violent".(3)

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

After the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. committed to the Philippine government any assistance they might need in aliminating the ASG. It is unknown if the Philippine government has ever taken the U.S. up on this offer. But with the combining of these splinter groups, and the escalation of the attacks they have planned, it seems the Philippine government needs to ramp up its efforts in getting these groups under control.

The latest plans outlined in this article could have horrific consequences if carried out.

Springer

posted on Feb, 19 2005 @ 11:40 AM

link

Having spent time in the Philippine Isalands back in the early 80's, I remember the N.P.A (New Peoples' Army) causing all kinds of trouble for the government.

That was when the U.S. had a HUGE military presence there... Now that we have completely left the islands I fear for the stability of the government.

This could become yet another bastion of terrorism if this goes forward.

m...

FredT

posted on Feb, 19 2005 @ 11:46 AM

link

I wonder if Abu Sayyaf Group et al quietly pressured the government to cave in to the hostage takers demands and pull thier troops from Iraq? Maybe they offered a temporary cease fire or the like and that honeymoon is now over?

[edit on 2/19/05 by FredT]