Islamic extremism in the Philippines: is it a terrorism hotspot, and which groups are active there?

"The southern Mindanao region, roiled for decades by Islamist separatists, communist rebels and warlords, has long been fertile ground for jihadist groups, from those affiliated with al-Qaida, Jemaah Islamiyah and most recently Islamic State (IS). Driven by a combination of political and historical grievances and advantageous geography, Muslim separatists in the region have long sought to create an Islamic state. But analysts say most groups have been significantly weakened in recent years although there has been some sporadic clashes and incidents."

"The last major flare-up was in 2017, when IS-aligned militants seized the city of Marawi, which they controlled for five months before the Philippine military regained control. The conflict attracted foreign fighters and cash, and resulted in dozens of people being killed, widespread destruction, and tens of thousands displaced. Mindanao is the only region in the largely Catholic country with a significant Muslim minority."

Two men named as alleged attackers travelled to the southern Philippines in November, arriving in Manila on 1 November, visiting Davao on Mindanao, and returning to Sydney on 28 November. Their activities in the south are under investigation and authorities say it is too early to draw conclusions. Mindanao has long experienced Islamist separatism, communist rebellion and warlordism, and has hosted jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida, Jemaah Islamiyah and IS. The region features dense forests, rugged mountains and remote islands that facilitate guerrilla warfare and training. Porous maritime borders have enabled movement of arms and foreign fighters. The major recent flare-up was the 2017 Marawi siege.

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