Rebels against Mines? Legitimacy and Restraint on Landmine Use in the Philippines
Based on:
Journal Article (2023)
Investigates the factors influencing the restraint on landmine use by rebel groups in the Philippines, specifically the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and the New People’s Army (NPA).
Brief by:
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The Philippines has been a hotspot for rebel activity, with various groups employing landmines as part of their military strategy. Historically, nonstate armed groups have surpassed state militaries in landmine usage, with over 75% of active rebel groups using landmines in 24 countries as of 2005. These groups vary significantly in their approach to landmine use, with some laying mines indiscriminately and others attempting to limit civilian harm. The Philippines, having signed the Ottawa Convention, prohibits antipersonnel landmines, yet rebel groups continue to use them to varying extents. The MILF, ASG, and NPA operate within this context, each with distinct political goals and relationships with local, national, and international audiences. The MILF has shifted from seeking independence to autonomy, engaging in peace talks with the government. The ASG, with minimal support, has targeted civilians and rejected political negotiations. The NPA, aiming to overthrow the government, has engaged in selective landmine use. Previous research has focused on codified restraint norms, but this study seeks to understand the drivers of restraint beyond formal commitments, considering the influence of local, national, and international audiences on rebel behavior.
Key findings
Rebels reliant on voluntary compliance from local communities are more likely to limit the effects of landmines on their perceived constituency.
Evidence
The MILF and NPA, which rely on voluntary compliance, have shown significant efforts to minimize civilian harm from landmines. The MILF banned antipersonnel mines in 2000 and signed the Geneva Call's Deed of Commitment. The NPA uses command-detonated devices and has publicly apologized for civilian casualties, offering compensation.
What it means
This suggests that local community support incentivizes rebels to exercise restraint to maintain legitimacy and support.
Rebels with conciliatory relations with the government are more likely to comply with national law and limit landmine effects on government constituents.
Evidence
The MILF, which engaged in peace talks and signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2014, has complied with national laws on landmine use. In contrast, the NPA and ASG, with conflictual relations, continue using antipersonnel mines.
What it means
Conciliatory relations with the government can lead to increased compliance with national laws and reduced harm to government constituents.
Rebels seeking legitimacy from human-rights-conscious foreign sponsors are more likely to comply with international law on landmine use.
Evidence
The MILF, after distancing itself from terrorist organizations post-2001, increased cooperation with international NGOs and signed international commitments to ban antipersonnel mines. The ASG, with support from non-democratic regimes, showed no compliance with international norms.
What it means
International legitimacy-seeking behavior can drive compliance with international humanitarian norms.
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Rebels against Mines? Legitimacy and Restraint on Landmine Use in the Philippines
Cite this brief: Garbino, Henrique. 'Rebels against Mines? Legitimacy and Restraint on Landmine Use in the Philippines'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/rebels-against-mines-legitimacy-and-restraint-on-landmine-use-in-the-philippines/
Brief created by: Henrique Garbino | Year brief made: 2025
Original research:
- Garbino, H., ‘Rebels against Mines? Legitimacy and Restraint on Landmine Use in the Philippines’ 32(3), pp. {“valid”:true,”value”:”505–536″,”reason”:”ok”} https://doi.org/10.1080/09636412.2023.2226329. – https://doi.org/10.1080/09636412.2023.2226329
Research brief:
Investigates the factors influencing the restraint on landmine use by rebel groups in the Philippines, specifically the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and the New People’s Army (NPA).
The Philippines has been a hotspot for rebel activity, with various groups employing landmines as part of their military strategy. Historically, nonstate armed groups have surpassed state militaries in landmine usage, with over 75% of active rebel groups using landmines in 24 countries as of 2005. These groups vary significantly in their approach to landmine use, with some laying mines indiscriminately and others attempting to limit civilian harm. The Philippines, having signed the Ottawa Convention, prohibits antipersonnel landmines, yet rebel groups continue to use them to varying extents. The MILF, ASG, and NPA operate within this context, each with distinct political goals and relationships with local, national, and international audiences. The MILF has shifted from seeking independence to autonomy, engaging in peace talks with the government. The ASG, with minimal support, has targeted civilians and rejected political negotiations. The NPA, aiming to overthrow the government, has engaged in selective landmine use. Previous research has focused on codified restraint norms, but this study seeks to understand the drivers of restraint beyond formal commitments, considering the influence of local, national, and international audiences on rebel behavior.
Findings:
Rebels reliant on voluntary compliance from local communities are more likely to limit the effects of landmines on their perceived constituency.
The MILF and NPA, which rely on voluntary compliance, have shown significant efforts to minimize civilian harm from landmines. The MILF banned antipersonnel mines in 2000 and signed the Geneva Call’s Deed of Commitment. The NPA uses command-detonated devices and has publicly apologized for civilian casualties, offering compensation.
This suggests that local community support incentivizes rebels to exercise restraint to maintain legitimacy and support.
Rebels with conciliatory relations with the government are more likely to comply with national law and limit landmine effects on government constituents.
The MILF, which engaged in peace talks and signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2014, has complied with national laws on landmine use. In contrast, the NPA and ASG, with conflictual relations, continue using antipersonnel mines.
Conciliatory relations with the government can lead to increased compliance with national laws and reduced harm to government constituents.
Rebels seeking legitimacy from human-rights-conscious foreign sponsors are more likely to comply with international law on landmine use.
The MILF, after distancing itself from terrorist organizations post-2001, increased cooperation with international NGOs and signed international commitments to ban antipersonnel mines. The ASG, with support from non-democratic regimes, showed no compliance with international norms.
International legitimacy-seeking behavior can drive compliance with international humanitarian norms.