ZAMBOANGA CITY — At least four people were wounded and around 7,000 residents have fled their homes as armed clashes erupted between government forces and lawless elements allegedly backed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) supporters in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan on Tuesday, October 28.
The violence, which began with sporadic gunfire at dawn, has prompted the Philippine Army to deploy troops to secure the area, while the local government declared the town “under siege.”
The unrest follows the October 21 killing of an Islamic teacher and barangay kagawad—an MILF member and sympathizer—at a bus terminal in Lamitan City, which has since fueled tensions in Barangay Baginda and Tipo-Tipo Proper.
According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, 1,400 families have evacuated from the affected barangays.
The wounded victims were brought to Lamitan District Hospital for treatment.
In a statement, Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman emphasized the need for dialogue and due process, confirming that the Philippine National Police is investigating the murder but has yet to identify clear suspects.
Two individuals were initially detained, while a third—allegedly linked to the municipal government’s security—remains at large and is being pursued by MILF elements.
“We had discussions until midnight, agreeing to wait for a joint letter assuring the family that the government would take the necessary steps to ensure justice,” Hataman said.
“However, before our meeting at 8 a.m., gunfire erupted. Our team has since re-entered the area, and we hope for a calm resolution.”
A delegation composed of MILF commanders, representatives from the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), and a provincial government envoy is currently in Tipo-Tipo Proper to de-escalate the situation.
The Philippine Army, while cautious in labeling the incident, confirmed the clashes and said it is working closely with the LGU and other security agencies.
“Our troops have been deployed to secure the area and ensure the safety of the residents,” said Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala.
Tipo-Tipo Mayor Ingatun G. Istarul echoed the call for calm, stating that negotiations are ongoing and that local authorities are coordinating with national agencies to safeguard the community. (Liza Jocson, Martin Sadongdong)
