For years, the Philippines have struggled with violent extremist and separatist groups in the south of the country. A long-running movement for independence led to the formation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following peace talks and negotiations between the central government and separatist groups. While this is a step forward for peace, violent extremist groups, including local groups inspired by ISIS, continue to operate and
recruit members.

In the Philippines, the drivers behind violent extremism are:  frustration with the government, cultural and geographical divide among tri-people communities and socio-economic vulnerability due to lack of literacy, economic opportunity and sense of purpose. GCERF began investing in the country in 2019 and till date USD 10.1 million has been invested to address these drivers of violent extremism.