CASE STUDY

REGION V11 – CENTRAL VISAYAS

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

INTRODUCTION
 WHAT IS ABU SAYYAF?

Abu Sayyaf, whose name

means "bearer of the
sword" in Arabic, is a
militant organization that
follows the Wahhabi
doctrine of Sunni Islam and
are based in the southern
Philippines. It seeks a
separate Islamic state for the
country’s Muslim minority.
 The group is considered violent and was
responsible for the Philippines' worst terrorist
attack, the bombing of Superferry 14 in 2004,
which killed 116 people. And in February 2005,
Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for bombings
Bombing of 2005 Valentine’s Day in Manila and two other cities, killing eight and
Superferry 14 in 2004 Bombing injuring 150 people.

As of 2012, the group was estimated to have

between 200 and 400 members, down from
1,250 in 2000. Since its inception in 1991,
the group has carried out bombings,
kidnappings, assassinations and extortion.
They have been involved in criminal
activities, including kidnapping, rape, child
sexual assault, forced marriage, drive-by
Victim of Kidnapping shootings, extortion and drug trafficking.
by Abu Sayyaf
BODY OF CASE STUDY

THE 2017 BOHOL CLASH

THE 2017 BOHOL CLASH

The 2017 Bohol clashes were

armed conflicts that took place in
April and May 2017 between
Philippine security forces and
Moro ISIL-affiliated militants led by
members of the Abu Sayyaf in
Inabanga, Bohol, Philippines. Three
Philippine Army soldiers, a
policeman, four terrorists and two
civilians were killed during the
initial firefight.
Abu Sayyaf penetrated a far-flung village in Inabanga and triggered a day-
long clash that killed 6 rebels and 4 members of the security forces. The
clashes between the bandit group and the military lasted for more than a
month, prompting several countries to issue travel warnings over Central
Visayas. Motorboats used by the terrorists to enter the province were also
displayed along with equipment used by the military.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

THE AFTERMATH
 AFTEREFFECTS

The tourism industry in Central Visayas

is heavily affected because of the ensuing
conflict between government forces and
the Abu Sayyaf Group in Bohol. Hotels
and resorts, especially those in Bohol,
had already felt the effects of the
encounter with BE Grand Resort
Panglao reporting to have noted 35
room cancellations. Panglao Bluewater
Beach Resort in Panglao town in Bohol
even observed a four percent drop in
occupancy during the week when the
clash happened.
 WARNING ADVISORIES

The Korean Consulate issued an advisory

for its citizens to avoid Bohol. That is on
top of the other countries that earlier
issued travel warnings in Central Visayas
like the US plus several other countries
have warned their citizens about
travelling to the Philippines with reported
threats of terrorism and kidnappings.
Local travel agencies have also reported
cancellation of trips as an effect of the
Bohol clash. Even the locals were
petrified of the violence that has
occurred.
 ANALYSIS
STRENGHT, WEAKNESS, OPPORTUNITIES, THREATS
 STRENGTH

The Bohol clash of 2017 showed the fast response of Armed

Forces of the Philippines (AFP) when it comes to this kind of
situations. It also shows the act of Heroism that the Filipinos
display, Three Philippine Army soldiers and a member of the
Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) team of Bohol died
protecting the town of Inabanga when members of the Abu
Sayyaf entered the small farming village of Sitio Ilaya in
Barangay Napo. This tragic event also led to the death of the
sub-leader of the terror group Abu Sayyaf, Joselito Melloria.
 WEAKNESS

It has come to light that there is a lapse and absence of

security that we have in the Philippines. It also presented the
lack of preparation and prevention that we were not able to
possess in crucial times like this. This has caused the death of
few of our military men and people were held captive against
their will. Another possible cause is the lack of naval security
in our waters, specifically in resorts. Without proper security,
These resorts and tourist spots can be easily accessed and
utilized by terrorists using motorboats as transportation
leaving them undetected.
 OPPORTUNITIES

This has given the people of Bohol and the whole nation an
opportunity to learn from the unfortunate incident. Proper
safety and security measures can be practiced and further
implemented as a result to counter and prevent such attacks
that might possibly happen in the future.
 THREATS

Possible threats may arise in the future. Another insurgence

might occur caused by the Abu Sayyaf and other possible
terror organizations which can cause numerous deaths to
not only locals, but also travelling tourists to the Philippines.
This can lead to the downfall of local tourism, not only in
Bohol but also in other cities in the Philippines. Alternatively,
a travel ban can be imposed by foreign countries such as
China and America, on the Philippines, as the negative news
brought upon by terrorist attacks can deem the Philippines
dangerous and unsafe for travel and tourism.
ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF
ACTION

AND FINAL RECOMMENDATION

 PLANNED SERIES OF ACTIONS

In order to be able to prevent such instances to ever occur again, the following initiatives can be implemented and
administered:

• Conduct training and seminars for the local police force and staff that include survival workshops and new contingencies
against terrorist attacks and ambush.
• Lobby the local government to protect the tourist destinations.
• Consistent and routine boat inspections and regular navy patrol on high profile resort areas where majority of tourists
frequent.
• Establish an evacuation plan and protocol for local residents in the event of another possible terrorist attack.
• Conduct intel gathering from local town people with regards to whereabouts of potential Abu Sayyaf members
• Have local government security do training simulations of terrorist attacks so that they can make sure that all the forces,
from the soldier fighting in the field to the brigade commanders, know how to handle any terrorist attack and have
information in the area so that they can neutralize the threat before it expands.
 RECOMMENDATION

As for my recommendation, The only option I see fit for this

situation is to implement all courses of action listed above, we
may not be able to predict acts of terror, but we can find solutions
to prevent it.
It is important to prioritize the safety of citizens and tourists from
abroad visiting our country.