Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), although one of the smaller insurgent groups in the Philippines, is the most radical and violent of the separatist groups in the country.[1] ASG was founded by Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani in 1991 on the island of Basilan as a splinter group from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).[2] ASG goals predominantly focus on creating an independent, autonomous Islamic state in the southern Philippines.[3] From ASG’s inception through the mid-1990s, the group was primarily supported through al-Qa’ida fiscal and military support.[4]

ASG began its operations by implementing a string of bombs against Christians in the southern Philippines in 1991.[5] Until its loss of funding from al-Qa’ida in the mid-1990s, ASG attacks mainly consisted of bombings, ambushes, and executions.[6] In April and July 2000, ASG kidnapped 24 foreigners in the Philippines and released these hostages for ransoms that ranged from 10 to 25 million dollars.[7] Post-2003, kidnapping for ransom was deemphasized while efforts in bombing and other violent means were increased.[8] In late 2003, leader Khadaffy Janjalani established an alliance with Jemaah Islamiah (JI).[9]

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) campaign against ASG in the 2000s significantly diminished that group's presence in the southern Philippines.[10] ASG had 1,000 members in 2000 but by 2013 had dropped to an estimated 400.[11] Since the death of Khadaffy Janjalani in 2006 and other key leaders in operation Oplan Ultimatium, ASG has struggled with leadership and structural issues in its efforts for a separate Islamic state.[12] No verified successor has been named, and without a central leader, ASG has once again resorted to initiating kidnappings for ransom in order to support the group.[13] Although ASG’s strength has dwindled, its violence continues, and therefore it remains an issue of concern for the Philippine Government.[14] View full narrative