Philippines: September 24, 2003

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Hard times for Islamic and communist rebels. The Islamic MILF is falling apart, with an increasing number of factions breaking off to pursue kidnapping and robbery schemes by themselves. The communist NPA, cut off from foreign donors by its new terrorist label, and increased it's extortion and robbery activities to meet the payroll (these rebel groups do have a payroll, and lots of other expenses, to keep themselves going.) The public is more and more looking at these rebels groups as large criminal gangs, and providing more cooperation (especially tips) to the police and army.