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nature of their political goals but also because they know that for their goals
ultimately to succeed they must reach an accommodation with local
Christians.” 54
Recently, the MILF has appeared restrained and sensible as it engages the
Philippine government in a long and tedious peace negotiation to ensure its
political control over a specific, geographically defined territory in Mindanao. To
further accentuate its cautious and compromising stance, the MILF has
denounced its links with the JI and ASG, cooperated with the Philippine
government in tracking down Islamic extremists in Mindanao, and punished its
own members who protect and shelter JI and ASG members wanted by the
Philippine government and Western law-enforcement agencies. 55 Its leadership is
likewise worried that a protracted or failed peace negotiation between the MILF
and the government will only promote conditions that foster terrorism and
Islamic fundamentalism. 56 Consequently, the present MILF leaders have focused
on forging a peace deal with the Philippine government and currying political
and economic favor from moderate Muslim countries in Southeast Asia, the U.S.,
and the European Union. Thus, the MILF is not inclined to solidify or revive its
earlier links with al-Qa’ida, which would jeopardize its working relationship
with the West and moderate Muslim regimes in Southeast Asia. 57 These
developments, in turn, have marginalized Islamic jihadist groups like ASG and
RSM.
At the same time, ASG’s illegal activity, particularly its kidnap-for-ransom
activities, has led to its perception as a criminal group, rather than a militant
Islamic organization.
58
Indeed, one American counter-terrorism expert, Zachary
Abuza, has argued that the group is above all a criminal nuisance with no
apparent link to international terrorist organizations. 59 In Abuza’s opinion, the
Abu Sayyaff is dangerous to the Philippine government not because it is a
54
Mckenna, 19.
55
Ibid., 14.
56
See Rodell (2007), 242.
57
See Paul A. Rodell, “The Philippines and the Challenge of International Terrorism,” in
Terrorism and Violence in Southeast Asia: Transnational Challenges and Regional Stability, ed. Paul J.
Smith (New York: M.E. Sharpe, Inc., 2005), 138.
58
Andrew T.H. Tan, Southeast Asia: Threats in the Security Environment (Singapore: Marshall
Cavendish Academic, 2006), 165. See also James Hookway, “Terrorist Cells Band Together in
Philippines, Officials Say Death of Abu Sayyaf Leader Doesn’t Mark Victory,” The Wall Street
Journal Asia (22 January 2007), 11.
59
Abuza (2003), 111.
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