Muslim insurgents are once again fighting in the Philippines. Bandits and criminals who justify their activities by invoking Islam have been all too active in recent months, but the large-scale uprising earlier last month could signal a resumption of a conflict that was thought to have ended five years ago. The fighting is a complication for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who needs to focus on economic policy. It also offers her an opportunity, however: She could use the insurgency to refocus U.S. attention on the Philippines and win support for her government and aid for her country.
The fighting broke out earlier last month, when hundreds of Islamic guerrillas attacked military posts on Jolo Island in a failed uprising in which about 160 people were killed. The militants were followers of Mr. Nur Misuari, leader of the Moro National Liberation Front. The MNLF fought the Manila government for 24 years in an attempt to establish an Islamic state. In 1996, Mr. Misuari struck a deal with then President Fidel Ramos: He would put down his arms and his goal of an independent state in exchange for being elected governor of four provinces that made up a semiautonomous region in the southern island of Mindanao.
The rebel attack came on the eve of a gubernatorial election that Mr. Misuari was expected to lose. The governor has been accused of corruption and incompetence. Widespread anger over the continuing poverty in the region and Mr. Misuari's failure to deliver on promises of development had doomed his hopes of another term in office. He reportedly urged his supporters to launch the attack in hopes of putting off the election. They were repulsed by the Philippine Army and Mr. Misuari fled to Malaysia, where he was captured and awaits extradition to the Philippines. Mr. Misuari's capture did not end the conflict. Some 250 of his supporters continued fighting and seized over 100 hostages, which they later released in groups in exchange for safe passage.