In addition, the Muslim separatist struggle in the Philippines traces its roots back to the dispute over Sabah, claiming Philippine military officers had several Muslim soldiers executed for refusing to invade Sabah in the 1960s. In response to the increasing crises, the government has cultivated Estrada's former tough guy movie image. A similar stance has been taken toward the Abu Sayyaf, with the military launching attacks on members of the group holding Philippine hostages taken in a separate incident. The Philippines' problems are not isolated to Malaysia. Both Malaysia and Indonesia have been tagged as training and supporting bases for Philippine Muslim separatists - spreading responsibility away from the Philippine government.
Manila is also engaged in several economic disputes.
A confrontation over airline access between the Philippines and Taiwan, triggered by Manila's moves to protect Philippine Airlines, expanded recently with Taipei banning new Filipino workers from coming to Taiwan. Manila is also locked in a trade dispute with Canberra over fruits and cattle. These issues as well have nationalistic undertones. In the short term, the beleaguered Philippine government's attempts to bolster public support while struggling with its domestic problems will only increase stress with Malaysia and other neighbors. This could add further difficulties to the hostage situation, as impatient foreign governments begin independently entering negotiations for the hostages' release.