[Windcatcher]

There is a *small* Muslim element in the Phillipines, on the southern island of Mindanao. Muslims are about 5% of the population, and have been a problem in terms of being separatist going back to the days of Spanish rule. Unfortunately the rebels have nothing against murder, rape, and kidnapping, which is why it isn't all that safe for westerners to go there at the moment.

[redgolum]

My old Pastor grew up there as a missionary kid. The islamic influence is growing, and growing fast. There are a lot of poor people being suckered or pressured in to joining. Not a good place.

[Sarajevo]

I was posted in the southern portion of Mindanao last year. The issues lie further south on the islands of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Jolo. These are primary routes of infiltration for smugglers. The area is known as the Sulu (Sea) Highway.

For the most part, Abu Sayyaf and MILF did not operate on Mindanao. Although they were involved in small scale bombings (Cotobatu), I found the area to be relatively peaceful.