What is the relationship between the US military and the militants they are meant to be tracking down? We examine allegations that government troops and the rebels are colluding to carve up the ransom money paid for kidnapped hostages. Their immediate goal is to free an American couple held captive for ten months. The wider objective is the destruction of the Abu Sayyaf guerrilla movement, linked to Osama Bin Laden's Al Qaeda network. Officially, the US troops are assisting local Filipino units. But those units may not be as committed to the fight as the Americans expect.This report includes allegations of collusion between Filipino troops and the guerrillas they're meant to be hunting.

Produced by ABC Australia