The Philippines is home to a new front in the war on terror. They were the home of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the so-called brains behind al-Qaeda. It was in Manila that Mohammed first discussed the idea that would eventually lead to the attacks of 11 September. The Philippines were once a US colony, and the American troops didn't leave their bases there until 1991. They had taken their eye off the region and, as a result, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was allowed to operate freely. The Americans don't want to make the same mistake again. Local politicians and people are distrustful, and believe that the US wants to do more than just fight terrorism.
None are more distrustful than those who live in the Southern Philippines, an area of autonomy for the country's Muslims, who make up 5% of the Philippines' population. They suffered more than anyone in the Philippines during US colonial times. The south is also home to Abu Sayyaf, a former Islamic separatist group whose ideology has degenerated into kidnap and ransom - beheading its hostages when ransom demands are not met. It is not the country's biggest terrorist group, but has become America's target, and the US has promised soldiers to help destroy Abu Sayyaf.
What are the Americans really doing in South East Asia? And are the Filipinos right to be so distrustful? The producers travel throughout the Philippines to find out.
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Spotlight is a weekly series of investigative reports from around the world, introduced by author and Journalist Mark Hertsgaard. Mr. Hertsgaard’s latest book is “The Eagle's Shadow: Why America Fascinates and Infuriates the World."
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Spotlight Related Websites:
CIA World Factbook
Filipino Global Community
BBC World News
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