ABU SAYYAF (Philippines, 2007)
The three thousand inhabitants of Jolo, a volcanic island in the south-west of The Philippines, are primarily Muslims who live from farming and fishing. Ninety percent of Filipinos are Christian. Various Muslim groups are carrying on a struggle for independence on Jolo, some of which are alleged to have ties with Al Qaida. The Abu Sayyaf resistance movement has been responsible for a number of abductions and beheadings. Three hundred American commandos are stationed on the island, officially to train the Filipino army. The United States also pumps money into establishing non-Muslim schools.
