Three months after the September 11 attacks , George W. Bush announced the US was opening a second front in the War on Terror in the Philippines . The Archipelago became the testing grounds for the Philippine anti-terror plan “ Clear , Hold and Develop ” . In August 2006 , Operation Ultimatum was launched and 5,000 Philippine marines and soldiers , supported by the US Special Forces began clearing the island of Jolo , fighting against a force of 400 guerillas . By February 2007 , the town of Jolo was deemed cleared of terrorists
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Jolo, Sulu