The Philippine military and civilian efforts have been instrumental in the significant weakening of extremist groups that once posed a serious threat to national security. A combination of sustained military operations, community cooperation, and targeted development programs has helped undermine the influence of these groups, disrupting their operations and recruitment capabilities.
Military forces have carried out strategic offensives, leveraging intelligence gathered through local partnerships and technological advancements. These operations have targeted key leaders and dismantled strongholds, significantly reducing the operational capacity of extremist factions.
Meanwhile, civilian-led initiatives have played a crucial role in addressing the root causes of extremism. Programs aimed at poverty alleviation, education, and infrastructure development have provided communities with alternatives to radicalization. Efforts to promote dialogue and understanding between different cultural and religious groups have further contributed to fostering peace and resilience.
This combination of military precision and grassroots engagement has proven effective in curbing the spread of extremist ideologies. Continued collaboration between government agencies, the armed forces, and local communities remains essential to ensure long-term stability and prevent the resurgence of such threats.
Joint government and nongovernment initiatives, including “relentless military operations,” have pushed a violent extremist group to the brink of extinction, Philippine officials say.
The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) long operated in the nation’s southern regions of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. Initially aligned with al-Qaida and later with the Islamic State group, ASG is blamed for incidents such as the 2004 SuperFerry 14 bombing, which killed 116 people, and high-profile kidnappings for ransom, often involving brutal executions. It also engaged in piracy and extortion, regularly clashing with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
In recent years, however, collaborative efforts, coupled with the deaths of several ASG leaders and member defections, have left the group facing collapse, according to the Philippine Army. Once a militant stronghold, Sulu was declared free of ASG influence in September 2023 by the military, which had deployed nearly 5,000 Soldiers to the province.
“The Philippine Army’s relentless military operations and strategic integration of social programs significantly weakened the Abu Sayyaf Group’s operational capacity,” an Army spokesperson told FORUM. “The activation of the 11th Infantry Division in 2018 ensured a dedicated military presence in Sulu, enabling intelligence-driven operations that neutralized key ASG figures and disrupted their strongholds.”
Intelligence sharing among military units, the Philippine National Police and Allies and Partners such as the United States enhanced the tracking of ASG members.
“This joint intelligence group conducted multisource surveillance, uncovering logistical support systems and identifying key terrorist hideouts,” the spokesperson said. “This proactive approach significantly disrupted ASG’s ability to regroup, ensuring sustained security in the region.”
The Army also recruited members of the local Tausūg ethnic group into the regular force and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units to boost civilian-military cooperation.
“This strategy enhanced local intelligence capabilities, fostered stronger community ties and reduced the ASG’s ability to exploit local grievances,” the spokesperson said.
Nonmilitary initiatives, meanwhile, helped stabilize conflict-affected areas and undermine ASG’s influence and recruitment. For example, community-driven initiatives encouraged ASG members to surrender their weapons in exchange for being provided with livelihoods.
“The whole-of-nation approach fostered seamless coordination between security forces, intelligence agencies and LGUs [local government units]. They shared real-time intelligence, synchronized military operations and implemented governance-driven solutions,” the Army spokesperson said.
Continuing challenges such as the proliferation of firearms, ethnic feuds and economic vulnerabilities highlight the need to combine security operations with government reforms and projects that address the root causes of extremism. Such a comprehensive strategy is key to preventing ASG’s resurgence and ensuring long-term stability, according to the Philippine Army.
The formation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in majority Muslim Mindanao in 2019 also contributed to peace and stability. The two oldest Moro separatist groups, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front, relinquished their weapons and embraced politics in the self-governed region.
Nations dealing with insurgency or extremism threats could “learn a thing or two from the Philippines,” the Army spokesperson said, including the vital role of community engagement, robust intelligence networks and sustainable reintegration programs.
