Again the army was sent in with extermination orders. That such a group should succeed in finally focusing world attention on the area is a terrible irony. But of course the drama isn't about religion, no matter how the combatants try to dress it. It is what happens in areas of lawlessness. Historical claims to parts of Malaysian Sabah have proven too intractable for the Philippines, Brunei or Malaysia to confront.
Refugees mingle with pirates along the porous borders, fishermen with zealots.
Weapons shipments and military training camps are politely ignored by authorities. Avoiding trouble becomes the main priority. Abu Sayyaf's cynical and violent ways are clearly to blame in the latest crisis. But Estrada is also at fault. He heads a government bereft of effective policies to bring lasting peace to Mindanao - never mind a clear chain of command.