Islamic State – Philippines Province

Islamic State – Philippines Province
Leader	Unknown
Dates of operation	2016 – Present
Split from	Islamic State – East Asia Province
Country	Philippines
Allegiance	Islamic State
Active regions	Sulu Archipelago, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato, Malaysia, Indonesia
Ideology	Islamic Statism
Status	Active
Opponents	Philippines Other combatants: Australia Brunei Cambodia Canada China East Timor Fiji France Indonesia Japan Kiribati Laos Malaysia Marshall Islands Micronesia Mongolia Myanmar Nauru New Zealand North Korea Palau Papua New Guinea Russia Samoa Singapore Solomon Islands South Korea Taiwan Thailand Tonga Tuvalu United Kingdom United States Vanuatu Vietnam Moro National Liberation Front Moro Islamic Liberation Front Jemaah Islamiyah

The Islamic State – Philippines Province (ISPP) not to be confused with Abu Sayyaf, is the official branch of the Islamic State (IS) operating in the Philippines, primarily in Mindanao. It emerged from local jihadist groups that pledged allegiance to IS, Maute Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and Ansar Khalifa Philippines (AKP).

Background

The group's primary aim is to establish an Islamic State governed by Sharia law in the region, reflecting the broader ideology of Salafi-jihadism that seeks to replace secular governments with an Islamic caliphate. ISPP has opposed the peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and has been involved in efforts to disrupt the region's stability through violent tactics. The group came to international attention during the 2017 Marawi Siege, when Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf fighters, led by Isnilon Hapilon, attempted to seize control of the city of Marawi, resulting in a five-month-long conflict with Philippine government forces. Despite the death of Hapilon during the siege, ISPP has continued to operate in areas such as Sulu, Basilan, and Maguindanao, engaging in attacks including kidnappings and bombings. The group operates with a decentralized leadership structure, drawing inspiration from both the global IS network and local insurgents. Its main opponents include the Philippine Armed Forces (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other security forces, with assistance from international partners. Although the group's territorial control has significantly reduced, ISPP remains active in the southern Philippines, funding its operations through activities such as ransom kidnappings and extortion, while continuing to recruit from local communities. While its influence has diminished over time, ISPP remains a significant actor in the ongoing conflict in the region.

Attacks by the Group

• 2016 Davao City bombing – A bombing at the Roxas Night Market occurred in Davao City, Philippines, on September 2, 2016, causing at least 14 deaths and 70 injuries.

• 2017 Bohol clashes – were armed conflicts that took place in April and May 2017 between Philippine security forces and Moro ISIS-affiliated militants led by members of Abu Sayyaf in Inabanga, Bohol, Philippines.

• Siege of Marawi – A five-month battle in Marawi between IS-affiliated militants and government forces, causing over 1,100 deaths.
• 2019 Jolo Cathedral Bombing – Twin bombings at a church in Jolo, Sulu, killed 23 and injured over 100.
• 2020 Jolo Bombings – Two explosions in Jolo, Sulu, killed 14 and wounded 75.

• Mindanao State University Bombing – A blast during a Catholic Mass in Marawi killed four and injured 72.