Terrorism in the Philippines: Persistent Threat and Effective Response

Abstract

Terrorism and violent extremism present a major global challenge. To effectively address this complex and far-reaching security challenge, it is essential to understand the particular background and context that leads to terrorism and develop holistic counterterrorism approaches and policies. This paper provides a brief historical overview of terrorism in the Philippines and how international terrorists influenced and aided extremism in the region. It also explores how maritime and border security vulnerabilities have been exploited by terrorists to easily transit through South-East Asia, and how these vulnerabilities contributed to the destructive 2017 Marawi siege. It draws lessons from the Battle of Marawi and provides opportunities to collaboratively address terrorism through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its partners. Understanding these issues is imperative to formulating policies to strengthen the strategic alliances with other countries as well as improving maritime and border security in the region. This study is a reference for policymakers in crafting strategic security policies in the archipelagic and maritime topographies of the South-East Asian region.