Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for yesterday's bombing at Davao airport. The rebels say they are trying to cripple the economy and get the government to stop trying to capture Abu Sayyaf kidnappers. But the government believes MILF was responsible, and five MILF members have been arrested in the case. It's possible that Abu Sayyaf has paid MILF members to do the bombing. Abu Sayyaf still has millions of dollars in ransom money and has been spending it to have terrorist attacks made.
The government has decided not to allow US Special Forces to help Filipino troops against the elusive Abu Sayyaf rebels. Many politicians have invoked patriotism and national pride to oppose American help.