Database: Identifiers of Designated Islamic Terrorist Organizations

Moro Islamic Liberation Front

Not yet designated as terrorist by a Western country

Base of operations: Philippines

Background: Mapping Militant Organizations (Stanford)
Background: Institute for the Study of Violent Groups

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is a terrorist organization that has spent decades fighting for an independent Muslim state in the southern Philippines. It was formed by ex-members of the Moro National Liberation Front who had grown unhappy with that group's Marxist orientation. Though the MILF is Islamist in character, it has taken pains to portray itself as a purely national movement and distance itself from more global jihadist outfits. However, it still received funding and training from entities such as al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah. A 2012 peace agreement between the Philippine government and MILF leaders promises to establish an autonomous, but not fully independent, Muslim region in the south. It was announced last year that the group will set up a political wing to participate in elections, but concerns about renegade MILF insurgents remain.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front Emblem	Moro Islamic Liberation Front Flag	Moro Islamic Liberation Front Flag	Moro Islamic Liberation Front Flag