The MILF is supposed to be observing a ceasefire and working out a long term settlement with the government. But the MILF leadership does not have complete control over all MILF members, making any deal with the MILF incomplete. More and more independent minded MILF factions are making attacks on troops, police and Christian civilians living in Moslem areas. The Abu Sayyaf was one of those MILF splinter groups that was expelled from the MILF. There are many more "Abu Sayyaf's" in the MILF.