The Philippine Army (PA) said on Tuesday, Oct. 28, that it had deployed troops to Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, after the local government unit (LGU) announced that armed men, allegedly backed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), had laid “siege” in the town.

“The Philippine Army confirms that an incident occurred earlier today in the municipality of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan,” PA spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said.

Major General Leonardo Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division (11ID) and Joint Task Force (JTF) Orion, clarified that the conflict stemmed from a rido (clan war) between two local groups following the killing of Ustadz Nadzmi "Bahang" Tarahin, an Islamic teacher and kagawad of Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo.

Tarahin was shot dead while waiting for his daughter at a bus terminal in Lamitan City on Oct. 21. Police have arrested two suspects behind the killing.

According to the military, an undetermined number of gunmen stormed the municipal hall of Tipo-Tipo around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, demanding that the local government give up the suspects to avenge Tarahin's death.

The 11ID mobilized around 150 soldiers to the area to pacify the situation. "Our forces were deployed to provide security and prevent escalation," Peña noted.

The military said a firefight broke out near the municipal hall between the state forces and the gunmen, some of whom reportedly include rogue members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the armed wing of the MILF. At least two civilians were hurt in the firefight while none of the military personnel deployed were injured.

The incident has since been de-escalated through negotiations facilitated by the Basilan Council of Elders, local government officials, and peace partners. “By 11:20 a.m., the conflicting groups agreed to withdraw from the area, returning to their respective communities under the supervision of our forces,” Peña said.

Earlier, the Tipo-Tipo LGU said in a social media post that the town was “under siege” following an attack allegedly perpetrated by lawless elements backed by the MILF.

"Tipo-Tipo under siege by lawless elements backed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front," it announced.

The unrest raised fears of a similar attack by local terror groups in Marawi City in 2017.

However, Peña said there should be nothing to worry about as the provincial government of Basilan, in coordination with the Basilan Council of Elders, the MILF leadership, law enforcement agencies, and security forces, has "actively implemented measures to de-escalate tensions and restore normalcy in the area."

Dema-ala said that the Army remains on top of the situation in Tipo-Tipo.

“Our troops have been deployed to secure the area and ensure the safety of the residents,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Tipo-Tipo LGU announced that all classes and government work were canceled until further notice.

“Everyone is advised to stay safe and be vigilant,” it said.

Tipo-Tipo Mayor Ingatun G. Istarul echoed the military’s appeal to residents to remain calm as he said that negotiations continue between conflicting parties.

In a statement, the mayor said the there had been a stand-off but local authorities actively coordinated with relevant government agencies to ensure the safety and security of the town’s residents.

“As your municipal mayor, we are working closely with concerned government agencies to safeguard the peace and well-being of our people here in Tipo-Tipo,” Istarul said.

The mayor urged the public not to spread unverified information and to follow official announcements from the government. He expressed confidence that dialogue would lead to a peaceful resolution.

“Let us unite and pray for the safety and peace of everyone,” Istarul added.