Islamic organization formed in 1977 in Mindanao and the neighboring islands. Hashim Salamat, supported by ethnic Maguindanaos from Mindanao, split from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), who ten years later signed an agreement relinquishing its goal of independence for Muslim regions and accepting the government's offer of autonomy. The MILF refused to accept that accord. The Mindanao-based Moro Islamic Liberation Front has approximately 2,900 troops.