mahathir mohamad is a terrorist, page-10

Because they think they can handle it themselves. Which they often can't (no shortage of Muslim bombing campaigns - particularly in Zamboanga area). Much as I like the place, their military (with rare exceptions) is poorly led, incompetent, and badly equipped. They are annoyed because it's an insult to their national dignity more than anything. If it came to the crunch some face-saving accommodation could be made (ie some token Filipino participation).