The Philippines' 'kidnapping capital'

Mindanao is the second largest island of the Philippines. For four decades, it has been the center of a separatist conflict, which has claimed more than 120,000 lives. The fighting started in the 1960s when the Muslim minority - known as the Moros - began an armed struggle against Manila, demanding a separate homeland in the south.

Since the 1990s, Mindanao’s Cotabato city has been known as the country's 'kidnapping capital.' Even after many decades, the city still grapples with the negative image.

The bad name has driven away investments and hampered trade and tourism. In November 2013, the Philippines' government launched the 'Destination Mindanao' campaign to encourage people to visit and invest in the island.

The tension has resulted in several countries issuing travel advisories to their citizens wishing to visit Mindanao. This has led to many foreign tourists canceling their plans.

Mindanao is a heavily armed island. Despite a ban on guns, a lot of people, including the civilian security guards (shown in the picture), carry weapons in public places.

Kidnappings for ransom are common in Mindanao. In 2011, 21 foreigners were kidnapped. An Australian was freed in March last year, after being held captive for 15 months.

In 2012, the Filipino government and separatists agreed to form a new autonomous region in the south before 2016. Despite the deal, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has not ceased its attacks. For Mindanao residents, life goes on in the midst of a constant threat of violence. They have somehow learned to live with the insurgency and negative image that goes along with it.