Vengeance Triggers Encounter Between Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Private Armed Group, and Joint Security Forces in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan; Ceasefire Enacted Hours Later
October 30, 2025
An encounter transpired between government forces, members of an armed group, and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front this morning, October 28, in barangay Tipo-Tipo Proper, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.
The firefight began at around 7:00 AM today, involving the relatives of a religious leader who was killed last October 21 in Lamitan City and the group of the alleged suspect who is a municipal guard based in Tipo-Tipo. The victim’s relatives, who are members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, went down to Tipo-Tipo Proper as early as yesterday, October 26, and demanded that the suspect be surrendered to them for retribution. The municipal guard was reportedly supported by a separate armed group, leading to the encounter. Joint security forces were deployed to contain the situation but were reportedly fired upon by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, prompting authorities to likewise return fire.
Read the full assessment here.
