View source for DATE Pacific Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions


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==Significant Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions==
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="4" |'''Significant Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions in DATE-Pacific'''
|-
|'''Group Name'''
|'''Type'''
|'''Country'''
|'''Description''' 
|-
|[[Free Sulu Movement]]
|Separatist
|Belesia
|The FSM is a conglomerate of anti-federation and  independence factions of the Belesian archipelago.  The group seeks to  break free of the alleged overreach of the Belesian central government and  abuses of the Belesia Federation National Guard.
|-
|[[Gabal Forever]]
|Insurgency
|Gabal
|Gabal Forever is a very small group (less than 100) of  boisterous people who do not like the way the government and business leaders  are catering to foreigners in attempt to chase the tourist dollar. Many of  these are 85%-95% ethnically native to the local islands and trace their  ancestry back beyond written history through the oral history tradition of  their ancestors. These people are upset about the change in their island’s  life and would like it to return to what it was 200 years ago before  Westerners arrived.
|-
|[[Islamic Torbian Army]]
|Insurgency
|South Torbia
|The ITA began on Mindoro as a movement to convert the  country into an Islamic Republic. The ITA has expanded to many parts of South  Torbia, especially those that contain a large number of Muslims. Since the  ITA normally attacks non-Muslims, most other Muslims remain neutral or  provide tacit support to the ITA.
|-
|[[Olvana Jemaah Islamiyah]]
|Insurgency
|Olvana
|The OJI is a Muslim insurgent group that operates  primarily in Western Olvana with many of its leaders training in the Middle  East. As the OJI becomes stronger, the group continues to push further to the  east. The mainline OJI is usually content to slowly convert people to Islam  by providing services to the poor rural people that the central Olvana  government seems to forget. There are OJI cells that do not feel the  conversion process is occurring fast enough, however, and are trying to  convert the rural villages by force.
|-
|[[Olvana Mission]]
|Insurgency
|Olvana
|The Olvana Mission is not a political party, but a group  of Christian missionaries whose obhjective is to make the lives of rural  Olvanans better while converting them. The Olvana central government is not  extreme in its denunciation of religion and will generally allow various  religions to practice as long as those practicing their faith seek to use it  as a means to overturn the current political structure. The Olvana Mission is  on the cusp of going from a group tolerated by the Olvana government in the  northwestern part of the country to one that the communists will seek to  destroy.
|-
|[[OHF|One Hui Front]]
|Insurgency
|Olvana
|The OHF is an ethno-nationalist organization, rather than  an Islamist organization, but Islam remains a large part of its identity. It  likely receives support from sympathetic actors of the Islamic faith and have  been known to cooperate with OJI on some occasions. Mostly in populated areas  in northwest Olvana, but also operates in rural areas conducting terrorist  attacks against members of the central Olvanan government. The OHF is heavily  involved in Information Operations in attempt to unify the Hui people,  exploit sectarian tensions, and limit the influence of religious extremism.
|-
|[[RRLA|Red River Liberation Army]]
|Separtist
|Olvana
|The RRLA is a multi-ethnic militant organization rejecting  all Olvanan political and cultural influence in the southwest part of the country.  The RRLA has reduced its offensive operations lately, but has increased its Information Operations and Psychological Warfare.
|-
|[[Red Tiger Front]]
|Violent Extremists
|Global Western
|The Red Tiger Front (RTF) is an extreme left-wing anti-fascist and anti-racist political movement active in the US, Europe, and Australia. Though established in its current form in 2005, some of the groups which make up the RTF have been in existence since the immediate post war years. Their recent re-emergence into prominence can be understood as a direct response to the rise of far right populist regimes across the world, as well as violent far right street groups, especially in Western liberal democracies.  
|-
|[[Satu Pulau Satu Negara]]
|Insurgency
|Belesia
|The SPSN (roughly translated to One Island, One Nation)  believes that all of Luzon should be united under a single national flag.  Neither North Torbia nor South Torbia admits to any connection with this  organization, which mainly conducts a low-level guerilla war and rhetoric  against the Belesian government and military. Known in Belesia as the Luzon  Conflict, the Belesian government has been accused of indiscriminate violence  and suppression of freedoms, particularity against those of Torbian descent.  The Belesiasn government restricts foreign access to parts of Luzon.
|-
|[[South Torbian Communist Army]]
|Insurgency
|South Torbia
|The TCA is probably less than 1,000 actual fighters, but  they may have many more supporters throughout the country. Their expressed  intent is to establish a communist country based on the Marxist model, the  same goal as stated by the South Torbian Communist Party (TCP). The TCP  claims that their group has no connection to the TCA, but there are probably  some members that belong to both organizations.
|-
|[[Thorskrig]]
|Violent Extremists
|West
|Thorskrig is an extreme right wing white supremacist organisation formed by a collection of ex-military personnel from several countries. Thorskrig engages in online propaganda, drug trafficking, and violent mass casualty attacks.
|-
|[[United Torbia]]
|Insurgency
|South Torbia
|United Torbia is more of a counter-insurgent organization.  It is pro-government and anti-communist that wants to unite the country with  a democratically elected government.
|-
|[[Visayan Peoples Front]]
|Insurgency
|Belesia
|The VPF is an armed insurgent group committed to  establishing an independent entity composed of the islands of Panay, Negros,  Cebu and Bohol. Over time, the group, which originally sought the creation of  a separate secular state, demanded the exclusion of Muslims and creation of a  Christian nation. The government responded with a counter-insurgency strategy  rooted in assassination, sabotage, and subversion. The violence between the  factions as well as the Belesian government reached a peak a decade ago.  Since then, all sides have pledged to a commitment to peace.
|-
|[[Yellow Sashes]]
|Insurgency
|Olvana
|The Yellow Sashes are primarily Hindi who detest the  Olvana communist government’s repression of religion. The Yellow Sashes are often  traditionalists who wish to return the country back to the way it was 150  years ago. The Yellow Sashes want a return to the previous form of government  before communism, which was a hereditary monarchy.
|}
''See also TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 2: Insurgents'' and Chapter 3: Guerrillas

==Miscellaneous Conditions==

Criminal enterprises may have a pronounced impact on military operations in the Pacific. Dominant criminal elements may view external military forces as a threat to their territorial control, while less-powerful organizations may look to exploit shifts in security and rules of engagement to gain access to markets or power. Non-state actors may have the support of the local populace, or may use fear and intimidation to keep the people cowed.
{| class="wikitable"
!Group Name
!Type
!Country
!Description
|-
|[[0 2 4 Street Gang]]
|Criminal
|Transnational, West, IndoPacific
|0 2 4 gangs conduct high volume, low level retail drug distribution either on their own behalf or as an arm of a larger organisation, usually a Black Society. The individual gangs exist on a spectrum of criminality, with some confining themselves to drugs activity and others leaning towards more hard core criminality and violent antisocial behaviour. Affiliated with Golden Hawk. 
|-
|[[Black Societies]]
|Criminal
|Olvana, Belesia
|There are a number of "black societies," or organized criminal networks in the largest cities in Olvana. These criminal networks are normally family affairs, with each family staying local to avoid conflict with other groups. These criminal networks are involved in armed robbery, racketeering, smuggling, narcotics trafficking, prostitution, gambling, and contract killings. These groups are not happy with the Tantoco Cartel moving into their cities, and may fight them to keep Tantoco out. These groups are normally named after a color and an animal, usually a bird of prey.
|-
|[[The Cheng Institute]]
|Unarmed Noncombatants
|Olvana, West
|The Cheng Institute is a nominally independent think tank founded in Shanghai, Olvana in 2015. In reality, the Cheng Institute is known to have close ties with the Olvanan Communist Party?s (OCP) propaganda and information departments, and is assessed as being a soft power vehicle for the Olvanan state. 
|-
|[[Golden Hawk Black Society]]
|Criminal
|Belisia, South Torbia, Olvana, Global
|The Golden Hawk Black Society is one of the multiple Black Societies throughout the region using groups like Golden Hawk as a model. Golden Hawk transitioned over time into a criminal organisation focused on illicit drug trafficking, sex trafficking, prostitution, and extortion. Owing to their strong connections with social elites and government which still exist to this day, high volume and level money laundering is one of the mainstays of Golden Hawk operations, and the service they predominantly provide to other criminal organisations.
|-
|[[Kumpulan]]
|Criminal
|Gabal
|Kumpulan is the major criminal organization in Gabal. Its leader owns a local import/export business with warehouses in several cities and towns in Gabal, from which it can hide illegal goods among legitimate imports. It is highly likely that the group has agents scattered throughout the National Police as well as any local governmental officials.
|-
|[[Olvanan Friendship Society]]
|Unarmed Noncombatants
|Western Nations
|The Olvanan Friendship Society (OFS) is a collection of local community organisations spread across major urban centres throughout the Western world. While not overtly subject to central control, the near identical structure of each local chapter, coupled with typically close dealings with Olvanan diplomatic establishments within their host countries, indicates that the OFS is at least connected to the Olvana Communist Party (OCP). OFS chapters typically operate a variety of businesses, including holding and service companies, in their host countries. The OFS maintains strong relationships with government officials and legal and business professionals, especially but not exclusively ethnic Olvanans.  
|-
|[[Osongco Syndicate]]
|Criminal
|South Torbia
|The Osongco Syndicate is a large-scale criminal network that is based on the island of Mindoro in Bongabong led by Zikri Osongco. Osongco may sometimes work with the Tantoco Cartel, but it is not part of the latter. Tantoco leaves Osongco alone as long as he confines his activities to Mindoro. The Osongco Syndicate is primarily involved in stolen goods and smuggling, but will not hesitate to delve into other areas on the island that can make the organization money such as extortion or even bank robbery, especially those that do not practice the Muslim faith. Some Muslims see Osongco as a modern-day Robin Hood who takes from the rich and gives to the poor.
|-
|[[Redback Raiders MC]]
|Criminal
|South Torbia
|The Redback Raiders MC was founded in Manila, South Torbia as a local motorcycle club that has now expanded and morphed into a powerful transnational criminal group throughout the Indopacific region as well as numerous other countries. 
|-
|[[Red Tiger Front]]
|Violent Extremists
|Global Western
|The Red Tiger Front (RTF), '''''not to be confused with the Red Tiger Black Society'''''. is an extreme left-wing anti-fascist and anti-racist political movement active in the US, Europe, and Australia. Though established in its current form in 2005, some of the groups which make up the RTF have been in existence since the immediate post war years. Their recent re-emergence into prominence can be understood as a direct response to the rise of far right populist regimes across the world, as well as violent far right street groups, especially in Western liberal democracies.  
|-
|[[Red Tiger Black Society]]
|Criminal
|Belesia
|One of the most violent criminal organisations in Belesia, the Red Tigers Black Society began as a loose confederation of martial arts enthusiasts centred around members of the Tanigo family, especially the most prominent of the five oldest brothers, Danny "Golden Kid" Tanigo. Initially formed as a sort of ?anti-gang? for mutual protection against street gang violence in the slums of Roxas, they quickly fell into armed robbery, extortion, and drug trafficking. While quite small, is considered one of the most potent and violent criminal groups within Belesia.
|-
|[[Socialist Student League (SSL)]]
|Violent Extremist Organization
|Global West
|The SSL is a revolutionary anti-capitalist organisation, with strong roots in the civil liberties movements of the 60s and 70s, in which universities were heavily involved. The SSL?s high profile through the politically turbulent years at the turn of the 20th century resulted in chapters being founded across the Western world, with substantial SSL clubs springing up across university campuses in major cities in Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. 
|-
|[[Tantoco Cartel]]
|Criminal
|Multiple
|The Tantoco Cartel was founded in the Republic of Torbia, it also operates in the largest cities of Olvana and Belesia. The Tantoco Cartel is involved in almost every type of criminal activity imaginable: drug and weapons smuggling, extortion, motor vehicle theft, illegal gambling, money laundering, counterfeiting, and murder-for-hire. The Olvana government is serious about bribery as some senior government leaders have been forced to resign or imprisoned when caught taking bribes.
|-
|[[Tears of Torbia]]
|Cyberterror Hacktivists
|Global
|Tears of Torbia (ToT) is a decentralised international activist/hacktivist?collective/movement widely known for its various?cyber-attacks?against governments, government agencies, financial institutions corporations, and religious organisations in support of the re-unification of Torbia. 
|-
|[[Torbian Cultural Center (TCC)]]
|Unarmed Noncombatants
|West
|The TCC promotes pro-North Torbian narratives in public discourse, maintains close ties with radical socialist groups and individuals, and has been identified as a possible vector for foreign influence operations, particularly on behalf of the governments of North Torbia and Olvana. 
|-
|[[Yusingo Enterprises]]
|Criminal
|North Tobia
|Yusingo Enterprises operates around San Fernando City. Their primary activity is smuggling goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, electronics, and medical supplies to sell on the black market. Yusingo Enterprises will also sell drugs if they can find buyers. The local San Fernando City police usually ignore Yusingo activities because the mayor receives a cut of their profits.
|}
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</onlyinclude>

''See also [[Chapter 4: Criminals|TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 4: Criminals]]''

''[[Chapter 5: Hybrid Threat Tactics|See also TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 5: Noncombatants]]''

===Drug Trafficking===
Cannabis and heroin are the main drugs for trafficking through the Pacific region. These drugs generally enter the OE via established lines of communication to/from Europe and Africa, are processed and packaged, then smuggled out and shipped to European, North American, and other lucrative markets. Heroin and cocaine have little domestic distribution.

There are numerous smaller groups that specialize in other drugs, such as cocaine and designer drugs. These groups often operate growth or production facilities in proximity to an urban area or transit hub in areas with ineffective law enforcement. While these groups also export a substantial amount of their drugs to foreign markets, a large proportion is intended for domestic distribution.

All of these groups are highly territorial and have a history of being quick to violence. In addition to their primary drug, they will also be involved in ancillary criminal activities, such as protection, racketeering, prostitution, and commodity smuggling. Groups often operate with local political, community, or military awareness and possibly involvement. Operations are usually enabled by corrupt border or customs enforcement officials. Security at production and shipment facilities is paramount. In addition to their robust security forces, larger drug organizations may hire legitimate private security companies or partner with other irregular forces to secure their operations. Rural operations may have a guerrilla or militia-style forces to protect the organization's interests.

===Human Trafficking===
The practice of the theft, smuggling, and trafficking in persons has been an ongoing problem to the Pacific region. International organizations and NGOs have fought to reduce the problem, but the power and money in the practice make it a lucrative trade for a variety of criminal and irregular actors.

The sex trade is one of the drivers of human trafficking in the Pacific. Most are transported out of the region to be held as sex-slaves, while others are made to work within the region in the sex-tourism industry. They are often acquired by kidnapping from outlying farms or small towns and may be members of vulnerable communities, such as the homeless, refugees, drug users, or urban transsexuals. They may also be stolen during interdicted migration or tourist movement. However, the majority of trafficking in this region is in the unskilled labor market. This is predominantly construction and migrant farming (for men), or domestic/sweatshop work (for women and children).  

===Piracy===
Thousands of miles of coastline, limited ground infrastructure, and unstable economies contribute to rampant piracy. Pirates operate small vessels that may appears as any of the numerous small commercial or private vessels operating along the coasts. Primary targets are simple theft of commodities and kidnapping for profit. While governments attempt to stop the piracy and kidnappings, the limited number of military watercraft and higher competing requirements makes it almost impossible to stop all of them.  

===Smuggling===
The unstable and complex economic and political environment, combined with numerous maritime lanes throughout the region contributes to the illicit movement of finished goods and bulk commodities. Observable activities are often at/near port facilities and production locations. Bulk goods are often illicitly moved through large ports with assistance from corrupt officials to avoid customs fees. Corrupt officials may allow or facilitate these activities with falsified inspections and other documents.

===Criminal Gangs===
Street crime is common in most places of the world, but the power, organization, and integration with other irregular elements is of special importance to forces operating in the OE. Large numbers of displaced or marginalized young men, combined with volatile economic conditions and inconsistent law enforcement have led to these dangerous groupings. Many members join for self-protection or to have a sense of purpose, but many see it as one of the few avenues to financial security and status.

Criminal gangs in the OE are either linked to larger criminal organizations or independent, generally observable as small groups or gatherings of more than 100 and localized to their stated territories. They will be armed with a mix of small arms, improvised blades and incendiaries. They may also quickly employ improvised obstacles such as burning tires, debris, and cars. Their somewhat limited armed capabilities are greatly enhanced with ubiquitous mobile communications and in-depth knowledge of their territories. They have high situational awareness of forces and activities in and around their areas of control. Their sophisticated use of social media to conduct precision attacks and avoid detection.

Gangs may be hired or motivated to assist other irregular groups. Insurgent groups have reportedly contracted gangs to infiltrate peaceful demonstrations to agitate and destabilize the crowd. Guerrilla groups and militias regularly use these gangs to conduct low-level strikes and kidnapping for forces labor. In the region's larger cities such as Manila, street gangs are common and operate with only superficial interference from police. They mainly focus on armed robbery and extortion. The street gangs are usually confined to a defined neighborhood whose petty crime does not encroach on the territories and markets controlled by the various organized crime groups, such as the [[Tantoco Cartel]].

''See also: [[Chapter 4: Criminals#Gangs|TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 4: Criminals-Gangs]]''

===Armed Civilian Non-combatants===
Large groups of civilians may assemble for planned or spontaneous demonstrations or protest. The factors influencing a crowd's agitation and potential violent actions are diverse and complex. There will usually be one or more motivating incidents leading to the gathering that is likely organized via social media. These assemblies are generally only loosely organized, but can rapidly coalesce and escalate tensions. Otherwise peaceful demonstrations may be driven to act as a mob or even pushed into riot. Large groups of civilians may be hired or leveraged by criminals or insurgents to create distractions, dynamic obstacles, or INFOWAR opportunities. While gun laws in the region vary significantly, private ownership of firearms is rare. Open carry is prohibited in most areas, but laws are often not strictly enforced in many rural areas.

''See also: [[Chapter 5: Noncombatants|TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 5: Noncombatants]]''

===Private Security Organizations===
Private security contractors (PSCs) are commercial business enterprises that provide security and related services on a contractual basis. PSCs are employed to prevent, detect, and counter intrusions or theft; protect property and people; enforce rules and regulations; and conduct investigations. They may also be used to neutralize any real or perceived threat. PSCs can act as an adjunct to other security measures and provide advisors, instructors, and support and services personnel for a state’s military, paramilitary, and police forces. They may also be employed by private individuals and businesses (including transnational corporations). PSCs may be legitimate, well-respected corporations providing contract advisors and employees as part of a military nation-building program funded by a foreign government. A PSC that provides services on a contract basis outside its country of origin also falls into the category of a transnational corporation. Other PSCs may be domestic firms that supply contract guard forces. In its simplest form, a PSC might be a local citizen organization that performs actions on a short-term contractual basis. 

There are a number of small security firms that provide personal protection to South Torbian businessmen. Some countries, such as the RoT, require these companies register in order to operate within their borders.  Corporate forms that provide nearly military levels of capabilities are a growing condition in all operational environments. These highly organized and capable entities, such as [[Jaguar Integral Defence Services International]], Blue Storm, White Star, and Orange Dragon often operate outside of traditional jurisdictions. 

''See Also [[Chapter 5: Noncombatants#Private Security Contractors|TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces>Chapter 5: Noncombatants>Private Security Contractors]]''

[[Category:DATE]]
[[Category:Pacific]]