The armed standoff between two feuding clans in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan ended on Tuesday following successful negotiations mediated by local elders and local government unit, according to Joint Task Force Orion and 11th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Leonardo Peña.
“Around 11:20 a.m., the elders of Basilan, together with the local government of Basilan, negotiated with them. The factions have pulled out of the area in Tipo-Tipo,” Peña said in an interview with reporters.
“Our troops are only facilitating it so that their return to their respective communities is safe and to avoid possible further conflict,” he noted.
Four people were hurt in total. According to Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, one was seriously wounded, who was brought to Zamboanga for medical attention. Three others stayed in a local hospital to recover from injuries.
According to the Army division commander, the incident was a “clan conflict” stemming from the killing of Ustadz Bahang, a barangay councilor and former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) member.
“It just so happened that one of those they wanted to take revenge on was a local barangay captain of a barangay in Tipo-Tipo,” Peña explained. “They wanted them to be sanctioned.”
The military commander did not identify the clans involved.
He said armed men took to the municipal hall early Tuesday morning, prompting the deployment of at least 150 soldiers.
Asked to comment on whether it was accurate to report that the town was “under siege,” Peña said, “no, it was not. There was already de-escalation.”
“It was pacified through the collaboration of our elders [and] of our local government. The PNP (Philippine National police) and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) personnel’s presence there is just to ensure there will be no further escalation of conflict,” he added.
The local government of Tipo-Tipo reported earlier Tuesday that the town was under siege by armed men allegedly supported by members of the MILF, but the Philippine Army later clarified it as a standoff driven by clan wars or ‘rido.’
In an advisory posted on its official Facebook page, the Tipo-Tipo LGU said classes, government work, and economic activities have been suspended until further notice due to the ongoing incident.
The Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade said the Provincial Government of Basilan, in coordination with the Basilan Council of Elders, MILF leadership, law enforcement agencies, and security forces, implemented measures to de-escalate tensions and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
“We assure the public that the Philippine Army is on top of the situation. Our troops have been deployed to secure the area and ensure the safety of the residents,” Army Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala told reporters.
Dema-ala added that the Army coordinated closely with the local government and other security agencies to stabilize the situation and address the needs of affected communities.
“We call on everyone to remain calm and continue supporting the peace process, recognizing that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding among all stakeholders,” the Army officer said.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “Ongoing Basilan standoff related to ‘rido’— Army.”
