ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 28) — Local officials in Basilan province said the municipality of Tipo-Tipo is “under siege” after armed clashes erupted between two rival commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), forcing most residents to flee their homes.

Basilan District 2 Board Member Dr. Nhur Khan Istarul said tension has gripped Tipo-Tipo since Sunday following the killing of Nadzri Tarahin, a barangay councilman and Islamic teacher who was gunned down on October 21 while waiting for his daughter at a bus terminal in Lamitan City. Tarahin was reportedly a relative of one of the MILF commanders involved in the conflict.

According to a police report, more than 100 MILF members occupied the Basilan Circumferential Road in Tipo-Tipo’s town proper around 3 a.m. Monday, leading to an armed standoff.

Residents Flee, Classes and Government Work Suspended

Tipo-Tipo Mayor Arcam Istarul said about 90 percent of the town’s residents have evacuated to nearby communities for safety. He added that classes, government work, and business operations have been suspended until further notice.

“We call for steadfast prayers for the people of Tipo-Tipo and urge everyone to remain alert and ready for immediate action to protect civilians and restore peace and security in the area,” Board Member Istarul said.

Governor Mujiv Hataman said initial reports suggest the fighting stemmed from a rido, or clan feud, between MILF Commanders Rajan and Hud Limaya, allegedly triggered by Tarahin’s killing.

Hataman convened an emergency meeting with the military, police, local officials, MILF leaders, and the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities to defuse tension and prevent further bloodshed.

“I am closely monitoring the situation, and there have been some developments toward calming the area,” Hataman said. “We hope the conflict can be resolved soon.”

Siege is Due to Rido

Military officials confirmed the deployment of government troops to secure the town.

Brig. Gen. Frederick M. Sales, commander of the Army’s 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade, said the violence was rido-related and not a resumption of hostilities between government and MILF forces.

“The deployment of troops in Tipo-Tipo is part of our mandate to preserve peace, maintain order, and uphold the rule of law,” Sales said. “We are coordinating closely with the police, local officials, and community leaders to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of civilians.”

He urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting the peace process.

Armed skirmishes were reportedly continuing Monday night after mediation efforts failed, officials said.

History of Conflict

Tipo-Tipo, a mountainous town in eastern Basilan, has long been a flashpoint of armed conflict involving separatist and extremist groups.

It was once a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group. Later became part of the MILF’s area of influence before the 2014 peace agreement that led to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Large-scale fighting has since declined, but local clan feuds and internal rivalries within Moro armed groups continue to threaten fragile peace in the province. (with reports from Nonoy Lacson/ Edited by amm)

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