From ilaga to abu sayyaf: New entrepreneurs in violence and their impact on local politics in mindanao

Abstract

The history of conflict in Mindanao is marked by the violence associated with groups like the llagas and the Abu Sayyaf. Between them are many other similar groups and individual young men—from the different Tadtad cults to the range of ragtag, non-ideological peasant supporters of the Moro insurgencies—who have found varied uses for violence. These are not the classic rebel fighters with visions or political programs in mind. Rather, they are of the more predatory variety who will attack perceived enemies as easily as they would rob, kidnap for ransom, or loot. Yet, they could not be reduced to being simple instruments of local politicians, or counter-insurgency tools of the military, as th..