Primed and Purposeful: Armed Groups and Human Security Efforts in the Philippines

A joint publication of the South-South Network for Non-State Armed Group Engagement and the Small Arms Survey.

At the centre of this book are the ‘primed and purposeful’ protagonists of the Philippines’ two major internal armed conflicts: the nationwide Communist insurgency and the Moro insurgency in the Muslim part of Mindanao. Steeped in first-hand knowledge of the conflicts and containing the most detailed, insider-informed group profiles available, this book offers a deeper understanding of the country’s many armed groups—from the ideologically driven and militarily strong to the opportunistic and criminal.

Part One covers: the various peace processes and negotiations; ceasefires; counter-terrorism; disarmament, demobilization, and integration into the armed forces and police; and small arms control.

Part Two comprises detailed profiles of 14 rebel or non-state armed groups in the Philippines. The groups are neither static nor easily classifiable. The profiles provide a snapshot of the groups and are offered as guides to constructive engagement where possible.

This volume argues that while these non-state armed groups and their offshoots are undoubtedly part of the human security problem in the Philippines, they must also be part of the solution.