The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a splinter group of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), has begun recruiting young Muslims for a planned offensive. The MILF refused to accept the treaty signed in September by the government, and the MNLF has since been engaged in sporadic attacks in an attempt to pressure the government into separate talks.
There has reportedly been some progress toward convening such negotiations; however, the military and police have stepped up counter-insurgency operations in response to the recruiting drive, and talks are unlikely before Spring. A recent report to the Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff has warned that, in addition to the upsurge in recruitment, the rebels are expected to intensify violent activity around the Christmas holiday. MILF activity is currently contained in southern Mindanao. New recruits could contribute to increased anti-government activity in Mindanao, or they could be dispersed throughout the country. Firms doing business in the Philippines should be aware of the increasing threat.
There has reportedly been some progress toward convening such negotiations; however, the military and police have stepped up counter-insurgency operations in response to the recruiting drive, and talks are unlikely before Spring. A recent report to the Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff has warned that, in addition to the upsurge in recruitment, the rebels are expected to intensify violent activity around the Christmas holiday. MILF activity is currently contained in southern Mindanao. New recruits could contribute to increased anti-government activity in Mindanao, or they could be dispersed throughout the country. Firms doing business in the Philippines should be aware of the increasing threat.
