Moro conflict facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moro conflict |
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| Part of the insurgency in the Philippines, War on terror, North Borneo dispute and War against the Islamic State | ||||||||||
 Map of the Philippines showing the still majority Moro Muslim areas in Mindanao |
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| Belligerents | ||||||||||
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International Monitoring Team (IMT)
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Bangsamoro: Former support:
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Jihadist groups: BIFF ASG (1991–present) Maute group (2013–2017) AKP (2014–c. 2021) KIM (2011–2013) Rajah Sulaiman Movement (1991–2005) |
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| Commanders and leaders | ||||||||||
 Ferdinand Marcos #(1968–1986)  Corazon Aquino #(1986–1992) Fidel Ramos #(1992–1998)  Joseph Estrada(1998–2001) Gloria Macapagal Arroyo(2001–2010) Benigno Aquino #(2010–2016) Rodrigo Duterte(2016–2019) |
 Nur Misuari (1972–1996) Habier Malik † Muslimin Sema (1972–1996) Habib Mujahab Hashim # (1972–1996) Abul Khayr Alonto # (1972–1996) Murad Ebrahim (1977–2014) Hashim Salamat # (1977–2003)Former support:  Anwar Sadat X Muammar Gaddafi X Mustapha Harun # |
Radullan Sahiron Khadaffy Janjalani † Galib Andang † Ameril Umbra Kato # Mohammad Jaafar Maguid † Isnilon Hapilon † Omar Maute † Abdullah Maute † Ahmed Santos (POW) |
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| Strength | ||||||||||
| 125,000–130,000 |
11,000 (2012) |
Unspecified | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | ||||||||||
| Total killed: c. 100,000 |
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The Moro conflict was a long-running struggle in the Mindanao region of the Philippines. It involved different armed groups fighting for various reasons. The Philippine government has signed peace agreements with two main groups: the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). However, some smaller armed groups still exist. In 2017, a peace council helped resolve many local family conflicts.
The conflict started because the Bangsamoro people have a long history of resisting outside rule. This includes fighting against the American takeover of the Philippines in 1898. Moro resistance against the Philippine government has continued ever since. During the time of President Ferdinand Marcos, tensions grew between the government and Moro rebel groups. A key event that sparked the conflict was the Jabidah massacre on March 18, 1968. During this event, many Filipino Muslim trainees were reportedly killed. They were part of a secret plan to take over part of Sabah, Malaysia.
After this, various groups formed to push for Moro self-rule or independence. One important group was the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), started by University of the Philippines professor Nur Misuari in 1972. This group wanted an independent Mindanao. Later, the MNLF split, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was formed by Hashim Salamat. The MILF initially wanted an Islamic state in the Philippines. When the MILF changed its goal to autonomy (self-governance) in 2008, some members disagreed. They formed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in 2010.
Estimates of people killed in the conflict vary. One study suggests that at least 6,015 people died in fighting between 1989 and 2012. This includes clashes with groups like the Abu Sayyaf (ASG), BIFF, MILF, and MNLF.
Contents
Understanding the Conflict's Roots
The Moro people have fought against foreign rule for over 400 years. During the Spanish–Moro conflict, Spain tried many times to conquer the Moro Sultanate of Sulu and other Muslim kingdoms. Spain succeeded in spreading Christianity in Manila but failed to fully control the Muslims in the South. Moro leaders today see their fight against the Spanish, Americans, Japanese, and Christian Filipinos as a long "national liberation movement."
The start of the modern conflict can be traced to wars between Spain and America against the Moros. After the Spanish–American War in 1898, another conflict began in the southern Philippines. This was between the Moro Muslims and the United States military from 1899 to 1913. The United States claimed the Philippines as its territory after defeating Spain.
American forces took control of Jolo in May 1899 and Zamboanga in December 1899. General John C. Bates was sent to make a treaty with the Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram II. The Sultan was unhappy with the American takeover. He had hoped to regain control after Spain's defeat. Bates wanted to ensure the Moros stayed neutral during the Philippine–American War. He also wanted to bring order to the southern Philippines. The Bates Treaty was signed, which helped keep the Muslims in the south neutral. This gave the Americans time until the war in the north ended.
The American invasion began in 1904. It ended when Major General John J. Pershing was military governor. However, strong resistance continued in places like Mount Bagsak and Bud Dajo in Jolo. In the Moro Crater massacre at Bud Dajo, the US military killed many Moro people. After the war, in 1915, the Americans made Sulu sign the Carpenter Treaty.
Even after the main Moro Rebellion ended, smaller rebellions continued. This lasted until the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II. During the Japanese invasion, the Moros fought against the Japanese in Mindanao and Sulu. This continued until Japan surrendered in 1945. Moro fighters called Juramentados attacked the Spanish, Americans, and Japanese.
Key Events in the Conflict's History
The American colonial government and later the Philippine government encouraged Christian Filipinos to move to Mindanao. This started in the 1920s. By the 1970s, Christian Filipinos outnumbered both the Moro and Lumad people. This led to more arguments over land. Another issue for the Moro people was that Mindanao's natural resources were used by the central government. Meanwhile, many Moros remained poor.
Christian Filipino settlers took control of important areas along new roads. This disrupted traditional Moro ways of life and their control over resources. The Americans preferred Christians to manage new towns instead of Lumad and Moro people.
Marcos Era (1965–1986)
The Jabidah Massacre Incident
The active phase of the Moro conflict began with news of the Jabidah massacre in March 1968. This happened near the end of President Ferdinand Marcos's first term. A senate investigation claimed that at least 11 Filipino Muslim military trainees were killed. This happened on Corregidor island by soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The trainees were part of a secret unit called "Jabidah." Their mission was to secretly enter, destabilize, and take over Sabah for the Sulu Sultan. The trainees reportedly refused their mission. A survivor, Jibin Arula, said that all recruits except him were killed. He escaped by pretending to be dead.
This news caused anger among Filipino Muslims, especially students. Many Muslims felt marginalized and lost trust in the idea of joining the rest of the country.
Early Separatist Groups and the MNLF
Soon, various groups formed to push for Moro self-rule or independence. Congressman Haroun al-Rashid Lucman tried to remove President Marcos from office. When that failed, he formed the Bangsamoro Liberation Organization (BMLO). Governor Datu Udtog Matalam created the Muslim Independence Movement (MIM). This group openly called for the region to separate and form a Muslim state. However, Matalam later made a deal with Marcos and joined the government.
On October 21, 1972, University of the Philippines professor Nur Misuari formed the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). This group aimed to create a Moro republic through armed struggle. Many members who left the MIM joined the MNLF.
Major Battles and Tragedies
In 1974, Jolo was heavily damaged during one of the fiercest battles. News of this tragedy made Muslims worldwide pay more attention to the conflict. Many civilians were reportedly killed when the Armed Forces destroyed much of Jolo. On September 24, 1974, the Philippine Army killed at least 1,000 Moro civilians who were praying in a mosque. This event is known as the Malisbong massacre. Two years later, the Philippine government and the MNLF signed the Tripoli Agreement. This agreement declared a ceasefire. It stated that Mindanao would remain part of the Philippines. However, 13 of its provinces would be governed by an autonomous government for the Bangsamoro people. President Marcos later broke this agreement, and violence continued.
Formation of the Ilaga Militia
The Philippine government reportedly encouraged Christian settlers in Mindanao to form a militia called the Ilaga. This group was meant to fight the Moros. The Ilaga committed acts of violence and human rights abuses. They were responsible for the Manili massacre in June 1971. In this event, 65 Moro Muslim civilians, including women and children, were killed in a mosque.
Aquino and Ramos Eras (1986–1998)
Peace Talks and the ARMM
After becoming President, Corazon Aquino met with MNLF chairman Nur Misuari. This led to a series of peace talks. In 1989, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was created. This was done under Republic Act No. 6734, also known as the ARMM Organic Act.
Under President Fidel V. Ramos, more negotiations and peace talks were held. The ARMM became more established with its own political system.
Rise of the Abu Sayyaf Group
In 1991, Abdurajak Janjalani formed the Abu Sayyaf Group. He was a former teacher who had studied Islam in the Middle East. Janjalani reportedly met Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan in the 1980s. He recruited former MNLF members for the more extreme Abu Sayyaf group.
Estrada Era (1998–2001)
"All Out War" Policy
President Joseph Estrada declared an "all-out war" against the MILF on March 21, 2000. Many conflicts erupted in Mindanao. Clashes between the Philippine military and rebel groups caused many deaths.
During Estrada's term, rebel groups kidnapped people and attacked towns. They bombed a ferry and took over a highway. These incidents led to a big loss of investments in Mindanao. The Armed Forces of the Philippines launched a successful campaign. They captured many rebel camps, including the MILF headquarters. The MILF suffered heavy losses, and their leader, Sheikh Salamat Hashim, fled. On July 9, 2000, the Philippine flag was raised in Mindanao to symbolize victory.
Rebel Counterattacks
In response, several Islamic rebel groups carried out attacks. They bombed several key locations in Metro Manila on December 30, 2000. These attacks resulted in 22 deaths and many injuries. Some of the people involved were later arrested.
Macapagal Arroyo Era (2001–2010)
On May 27, 2001, the Abu Sayyaf group kidnapped twenty hostages from a resort in Palawan. They later took over a hospital and church compound in Lamitan, Basilan. There was a firefight between the Philippine Army and Abu Sayyaf rebels. This resulted in the deaths of 12 soldiers. More captives escaped or were killed.
The Abu Sayyaf then carried out more raids. They killed two men with bolo knives at a coconut plantation. They also burned buildings. On August 2, 2001, another raid happened in Lamitan. After three days, the Philippine Army rescued many hostages. Some hostages were released or escaped.
On June 13, 2001, three more people were found killed in Basilan, including Guillermo Sobero. They were killed because the Philippine Army continued its rescue operations. On June 7, 2002, a rescue mission resulted in the deaths of Martin Burnham and a nurse named Ediborah Yap. They were caught in the crossfire.
These rebel groups, especially the Abu Sayyaf, carried out several terror attacks. These included bombings in Zamboanga in October 2002 and the bombing of SuperFerry 14 in February 2004. There were also bombings in Central Mindanao in October 2006.
In August 2008, one thousand MILF rebels took control of 35 villages in North Cotabato province. The MILF wanted North Cotabato to be part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The government and MILF had been discussing this. However, the Supreme Court rejected the idea after hearing concerns from local Christian leaders. The rebel troops were ordered to leave, but they refused. The Philippine Army responded by attacking them.
Between 2002 and 2015, the Philippines and the United States worked together against Islamist terrorism. This was part of the War on Terror.
Benigno Aquino Era (2010–2016)
Peace Talks and Agreements
During President Benigno Aquino III's term, peace talks were held to stop the fighting. A meeting between MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ibrahim in Tokyo, Japan was praised. Norway also joined the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in January 2011. They helped oversee the ceasefire agreement between the government and MILF in Mindanao.
Despite the peace talks, some conflicts continued. In September 2011, a hardcore Abu Sayyaf member was arrested. The Armed Forces of the Philippines also killed three Abu Sayyaf militants. Terrorism continued with kidnappings and killings. In October 2011, the MILF was blamed for an attack that killed 19 soldiers. This violated the ceasefire agreement.
In February 2013, forces from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) took over two main Abu Sayyaf camps. MNLF leader Nur Misuari said they were fighting Abu Sayyaf because of their human rights abuses.
Zamboanga City Crisis
The Zamboanga City crisis began on September 9, 2013. A group from the MNLF tried to raise their flag in Zamboanga City and took civilians hostage. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) responded. They aimed to free the hostages and remove the MNLF from the city. The situation turned into urban warfare, stopping parts of the city for days. On September 28, the government declared the end of military operations. They had defeated the MNLF and rescued all hostages.
Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro
On January 24, 2014, the Philippine government and MILF signed a peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur. This agreement aimed to create a new Muslim self-governing area called "Bangsamoro." The MILF would give up their weapons to a third party. A regional police force would be created, and the military would reduce its presence. On March 27, 2014, the peace process ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
Abu Sayyaf and ISIL
On July 23, 2014, Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon declared loyalty to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a video. This gave the Islamic State (ISIL) a presence in the Philippines. In September 2014, the group began kidnapping people for ransom in the name of ISIL.
Mamasapano Clash Incident
On January 25, 2015, the Philippine National Police's Special Action Force (SAF) carried out an operation. They aimed to capture a Malaysian terrorist leader. Forty-four SAF members were killed in what is known as the Mamasapano clash. However, they were able to eliminate the terrorist leader.
In February 2015, the BIFF fought for territory. The Philippine Army and Marines declared an "all-out war" against the BIFF. MILF forces were pulled out to avoid being caught in the fighting.
Rodrigo Duterte Era (2016–2022)
The MILF and MNLF have committed to peace. However, fighting against Abu Sayyaf and other groups continued. There were clashes in Jolo, Basilan, and other parts of Mindanao. A bombing in Davao City in September 2016 killed 15 people.
Marawi Siege by Maute Group
On May 23, 2017, the Maute group attacked Marawi. President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in all of Mindanao. Clashes continued until October 2017. The battle for Marawi City was severe. The government used heavy artillery and air strikes. The militant groups executed captured Christians. In 2018, two bombings occurred involving Abu Sayyaf and the BIFF.
Bangsamoro Organic Law Passed
On July 26, 2018, Duterte signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law. This law replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It set up the basic structure for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. This followed the peace agreement signed in 2014. From June 2019 to May 2022, about 19,200 former MILF fighters gave up their weapons.
Bongbong Marcos Era (2022–present)
In August 2022, two armed Moro groups clashed in Cotabato City. This forced hundreds of local people to leave the area. In September 2023, a civilian was killed in fighting between two rival groups linked to the MILF. In November, a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was killed in explosions.
In 2023, the government declared that Sulu province was free of Abu Sayyaf militants. In Basilan province, the government announced plans to build houses for former Abu Sayyaf members.
In December 2023, ISIS claimed responsibility for a deadly explosion that killed four people at Mindanao State University.
See also
- 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
