This paper provides a current operational picture and historical background of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the Philippines and how human intelligence (HUMINT) can facilitate targeting the ASG. The ASG has shown varying degrees of lethality in its 20 plus years of operation; much of this can be correlated with the different leadership the ASG has had. The Armed Force of Philippines (AFP) have had success in marginalizing the ASG but due to a decentralized leadership in the last six years have been unable to stop continuing kidnap for ransom operations and occasional terror attacks. A counter-terrorism operation in the Philippines has both benefits and challenges. The Philippines have a long standing positive relationship with the United States but its Southern islands, which serve as ASG's base of operations, have proven difficult to target the ASG in due to being predominantly Muslim and having rugged terrain. A more comprehensive application of HUMINT in targeting the ASG could lead to a more decisive victory and finishing them as both a terror threat and criminal organization in the Philippine archipelago.

             The ASG is a militant Islamic group of the Sunni sect based out of Southern Philippines [4]. The ASG was founded in 1991 after its leader and founder, Ustadz Abdurajak Janjalani (UAJ), broke away from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), following the MNLF initiating negotiations with the Philippine government [4]. The ASG was originally called Al Harakut-ul Al Islamiya and Mujahedeen Commando Freedom Fighters [4]. The ASG promotes an Islamic state but its Islamic ideology has gradually decreased since its founder and spiritual leader's, UAJ, death in 1998 [4]. .

             The ASG largely transitioned to kidnap for ransom operations targeting tourists, non-government personnel and clergy with sporadic use of terror operations against the Philippine Christian population through suicide bombers, car bombs and cell phone initiated explosives after UAJ's death [2].