Any time a nation goes over 2% islamic, there is unrest.
The Philippines is a majority Roman Catholic nation, with 80.9% of the population self-defining as Catholic.
Other religions represented include Islam (5%), Evangelical Christian (2.8%), Iglesia ni Kristo (2.3%), Aglipayan (2%), and other Christian denominations (4.5%). Approximately 1% of Filipinos are Hindu.
The Muslim population live mostly in the southern provinces of Mindanao, Palawan and the Sulu Archipelago, sometimes called the Moro region. They are predominantly Shafi’i, a sect of Sunni Islam.
Some of the Negrito peoples practice traditional animist religion.
Muslim separatist rebellion has simmered for more than four decades.
Many of the crimes trace back to the Muslim militant group Abu-Sayyaf, which has links to al-Qaida.
Abu-Sayyaf, believed to have been founded in 1990 with al-Qaida funding, is estimated to have a few hundred armed members and is associated with the worst terrorist attacks in the country, including a ferry bombing that killed more than 100 people in 2004, and beheadings of foreigners.
January 6, 2012
The United States on Friday (Manila time) reminded its citizens against possible terrorist threats in the Philippines.
In a Jan. 5
travel warning, the US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs also advised US citizens to exercise extreme caution in Mindanao or Sulu.
“While most of the recent incidents of terror have occurred on the island of Mindanao and in the Sulu Archipelago, US citizens are reminded that terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur in any area of the country, including Manila,” it said.
“Public gathering places may be targeted, including (but not limited to) airports, shopping malls, conference centers and other public venues,” it added.
It likewise said that the travel warning, which replaces an earlier travel warning dated June 14, 2011, “reflects continuing threats due to terrorist and insurgent activities.”
The State Department said it remains concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against US citizens and interests throughout the world.
Also, it warned US citizens to exercise extreme caution if traveling to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago.
In urging its citizens to be extra cautious in traveling to Mindanao including the Sulu Archipelago, the US State Department noted that regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death in those areas.
Sporadic clashes have occurred between criminal groups and the Philippine military throughout Mindanao, particularly in rural areas, it added.
“US government employees must receive authorization from the Embassy to travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago,” the State Department said.
On the other hand, the State Department said kidnap-for-ransom gangs remain active throughout the Philippines and have targeted foreigners, including US citizens.
It also said a state of emergency is in effect for the Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces, as well as for Cotabato City in Mindanao.
“Travelers should expect heightened police activity and a significant military presence in these areas as well as restrictions that Philippine government officials may impose on travel in those areas,” it said.
Demonstrations
At the same time, US citizens were also advised to exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity of demonstrations, “since they can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.”
The State Department encouraged US citizens in the Philippines to enroll with the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program or at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
“Enrolling also ensures that we can reach you, or your designated emergency points of contact, during an emergency,” it said.
The U.S. Embassy is located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines, and can be reached at 63-2-301-2000.
The American Citizens Services (ACS) section’s fax number is 63-2-301-2017, and may be reached by email at ACSinfoManila@state.gov.
Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, or for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). — RSJ, GMA News
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