
Philippines Hotel Standoff and Concerns Over Islamic Extremism
The southern Philippines, particularly Mindanao, has a long history of Islamist extremism with groups like Abu Sayyaf and IS-linked factions still active despite recent setbacks. The region's geography and porous borders have historically facilitated the operation of these groups, although their capacity has been significantly weakened. Recent attacks have decreased, and the government has intensified efforts to dismantle extremist networks, but the region remains a potential hotspot for terrorism.



