HISTORY OF THE MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was formed in 1977 when Salamat Hashim split from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and was supported by the ethnic Maguindanaos. This split was caused by the signing of the Tripoli Agreement in 1976 by the Manila-based Filipino government and the MNLF. When formed, the MILF received support from Egypt, and on March, 1984, Hashim officially declared the establishment of the MILF. The goals of MILF includes the establishment of an independent Islamic state of Mindanao island, Palawan, Sulu, Archipelago, and neighboring island, as well as a more traditional Islamic religious education system. MILF stresses the Islamic aspect of the separatist movement and refuses to accept treaties between the Moros people and the Manila-based Filipino government. Currently the group is based in Bagsamoro region of Mindanaou and neighboring islands. MILF is currently the largest Islamic liberation group with 15,000 members and 2,900 troops mostly deployed in Lanao del Nonte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and North Cotabato. The assassination of Benigo Aquino lead to a surge in membership. In 2001, MILF gained a peace agreement with Manila, however this did not last long. In 2003, the Filipino government accused MILF of the Davao City airport bombing that killed 21 people.