Tipo-Tipo, Basilan Mayor Ingatun ‘Tong’ Istarul condemned what he described as a “siege’ in his town on Tuesday which left at least four civilians wounded, displaced around 12,000 residents, and caused significant damage to properties.
In an official statement, Istarul said the assault began at around 5:00 a.m. and involved an estimated 200 armed men who fired high-powered firearms and M203 grenades, some of which hit the mayor’s residence. The attack forced residents to flee to the neighboring towns of Ungkaya Pukan and Albarka for safety.
“It was not a regular rido (clan feud) which usually occurs among families and lasts for years. This incident was distinct — a deliberate, organized armed action supported by MILF elements who took justice into their own hands,” the statement read. “Thereby endangering the peace process and the safety of civilian communities.”
The mayor strongly condemned the acts saying it “endangered our people and disrupted the peace of our municipality,” urging MILF leaders and the CCCH to strengthen control mechanisms over their members to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army reported that tensions in Tipo-Tipo have eased as military and police forces continue to secure the area.
“Wala na (The tension is gone) but our forces are still securing the area,” Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said when asked for updates on the incident which affected the above-mentioned community.
He also said that the 45th Infantry Battalion, which is under Joint Task Force Orion, is the Army unit helping secure the locality along with other security troops including those of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Mayor condemns violence in Tipo-tipo, Basilan”
