A Look Back Season 2 Episode 2 The Forgotten War: Fighting terror in the Philippines

The Look Back Season 2, Episode 2: The Forgotten War: Fighting terror in the Philippines

In this episode of A Look Back, we take an in-depth look at the ongoing struggle against terrorism in the Philippines. The country has been plagued by extremist groups for decades, including the notorious Abu Sayyaf, which has been responsible for numerous bombings, kidnappings, and beheadings.

Our journey begins in the city of Marawi, where in 2017, the Philippines military launched a massive offensive against Islamic State-linked militants who had taken control of the city. What followed was a five-month-long battle that left the city devastated and thousands of people displaced. We hear from soldiers who were on the frontlines, as well as from residents who were forced to flee their homes.

We also explore the root cause of the conflict. The majority of the people in the southern Philippines are Muslim, and for many years they have felt marginalized by the predominantly-Catholic government in Manila. They have long demanded more autonomy, and some have even called for an independent Islamic state. The government's heavy-handed approach to dealing with these grievances has only fueled the discontent and provided a breeding ground for extremism.

We speak with experts who have been studying the situation in the Philippines, including one analyst who has spent years tracking the movements of Abu Sayyaf. He details the group's evolution, from a band of kidnappers to a full-fledged terrorist organization with links to international jihadist groups.

The episode also explores the impact of the conflict on ordinary Filipinos. We meet a young girl who was abducted by Abu Sayyaf when she was just 14 years old. She was held captive for months before managing to escape, but her ordeal left her traumatized. We also hear from a family who lost several members in a bombing, and who are struggling to cope with the aftermath.

Despite the challenges, there are those who are determined to bring peace to the region. We meet a group of women who have formed an organization called "Salam" which means peace in Arabic. They are working to build bridges between Muslims and Christians, and to promote understanding and tolerance.

Through compelling footage and interviews with key figures, A Look Back season 2 episode 2 sheds light on a conflict that has been largely overlooked by the international community. We gain insight into the complexities of the situation and hear from those on the ground who are fighting for a better future for their country.