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Philippines Defence and Security Report Q4 2011
Business Monitor International, Oct 2011, Pages: 80
While the Philippines enjoys relative regional security it faces significant internal threats, mainly through Islamic groups in the southern island of Mindanao. The major group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is, however, involved in longstanding talks with the government. President Benigno Aquino met MILF Chairman Murad Ebrahim on August 4 2011, the first such high-level meeting since 1997. While MILF rejected a government proposal for autonomy, both said talks would continue. Conflicts in Mindanao have continued, largely between MILF fighters and those of breakaway MILF commander Umbra Kato and other breakaway groups including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIIF). In September 2011, the Philippine military was set to launch a new offensive against the Islamist extremist group Abu Sayyaf, which is still holding three foreigners and three Filipinos in the southern province of Sulu. Abu Sayyaf’s power has been considerably curtailed but it is still involved in regular kidnapping attacks.
Then Philippines and the Unite States have been celebrating the 60th anniversary of the military security pact between the two. The 1951 treaty is credited with maintaining regional stability and reducing external threats faced by the Philippines. Nevertheless, in common with other regional powers, the Philippines has been alarmed by Chinese posturing over the South China Sea. Tensions have been rising but the Manila administration says a five-day state visit by President Benigno Aquino to China had done much to calm relations between the two countries.
Prompted in part by the potential Chinese build-up, however, President Aquino has announced a big increase in military procurement with surface attack craft, air defence radars, new assault rifles, tanks, night-fighting equipment, sea-lift and amphibious vessels on Manila’s shopping list.
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