Hi. I am an American who has visited the Philippines a few times, but stayed in mostly Catholic areas like Oroquieta City and Cagayan de Oro. I have read a lot about the Moros and the conflict last year between the AFP and MILF, and I'm a little curious what Islam in the Philippines is like. Mainly, I'm interested to know if women there are subject to the kinds of laws and restrictions that they are in Middle Eastern countries, like restriction from education, circumcision, honor killings, and that sort of thing. I'm also wondering if many Filipino Muslims align themselves with Sunni or Shia and if any of them speak Arabic in addition to their tribal languages. I should point out that this is not an Islam-bashing thread. I am not interested in attacking or criticizing Muslims. I just want to know what life might be like for a Muslim in the Philippines. I am writing a story with a character who is a Filipino Muslim woman.

Thanks for your insight and help.

-Chris