In Mindanao, the Moros (Filipino Muslims) had always resisted the Spanish and Americans. After the Philippines attained independence in 1946 they sought separate independence, but took no decisive action in that regard. In the late 1960s, when more Christians began to move to Mindanao, political tension increased, and armed gangs created turmoil. In the 1970s the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was formed to fight for an independent Moro Nation. During the 1970s, an estimated 50,000 people, military and civilian, were killed in the struggle.