Provides the political and historical detail necessary to understand the motivations and probable outcomes of conflicts in the country. The volume explores relate human security issues, including the willingness of several Filipino armed groups to negotiate political settlements to the conflicts, and to contemplate the demobilization and reintegration of combatants into civilian life. Light is also shed on the use of small arms - the weapons of choice for armed groups - whose availability is maintained through leakage from government arsenals, porous borders, a thriving domestic craft industry, and a lax regulatory regime.