Mindanao Militias

Mindanao the second largest island in the Philippines is often called the "Promised Land" by locals, and for many Filipinos it once represented a dream of a better future. Its riches however have also been its curse, within the island's stunning beauty exists a brutal conflict over resources, an ongoing war that has claimed more than a hundred thousand lives since it began more than 40 years ago.

The fighting involves a Muslim rebel group, known as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and government troops.

The Philippine government has long relied on Christian Parliamentary and vigilante groups to fight the Muslim and communist insurgencies on the island.

One vigilante Group known as the "Ilaga" or "The Rats" was notorious for its brutal killings of civilians.

Orlando De Guzman visited Mindanao to see how the renewed conflict is breathing new life into such Christian vigilante groups.

Part 1

Part 2