Tipo-Tipo, Basilan conflict now deescalated, says Army

The rido or clan war-related conflict in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan has been deescalated, according to the Joint Task Force Orion on Tuesday.

Joint Task Force Orion commander Major General Leonardo Peña told reporters in a phone interview that the tension ended as of 11:20 a.m. after elders led negotiations between the two fighting clans.

“Right now, around 11:20 a.m., na-negotiate ng mga elders ng Basilan together with the local government of Basilan. Nag-pull out na yung grupo ng mga faction doon sa area ng Tipo-Tipo,” Peña said.

(Right now, around 11:20 a.m., the elders of Basilan negotiated together with the local government of Basilan. The factions have pulled out from the Tipo-Tipo area.)

According to Peña, one person was hurt in the incident.

In Marisol Abdurahman’s report in 24 Oras, video footage showed terrified residents of the town sought cover as gunshots echoed in the air.

“Kahapon ‘yung family nung napatay pumasok sa Tipo-Tipo kasi meron na silang suspek sa level nila. Ang suspect nila nagkataon na municipal guard nung LGU ng Tipo-Tipo at meron pa raw iba,” said Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman.

(Yesterday, the family of the deceased entered the town claiming they have identified a suspect. Their suspect was a municipal guard assigned to the local government of Tipo-Tipo as well as some others.) 

Government officials said the rule of law should be followed and refused to hand over the alleged suspect to the gunmen who were demanding justice. This prompted an exchange of gunfire between members of the police and the military who were there to intervene between the two factions. 

The ensuing exchange led to the evacuation of 7,000 townspeople. All work and classes in the area were suspended.

In a separate statement, the Basilan Police Provincial Office said the tension in Tipo-Tipo stemmed from the October 21 fatal shooting of Islamic teacher and Barangay Baguindan official Nadzri Asdana Tarahin.

“Reports indicate that followers of Tarahin are seeking revenge and have allegedly identified those responsible for the killing,” the police said.

Peña said the camp of the deceased individual, who was a former rebel, was planning to attack a barangay captain, leading to a firefight near the municipal hall.

“Yung location ay malapit doon sa munisipyo, so ang pinaka-primary area na sinecure ng ating pwersa ay yung seat of the municipal government,” Peña said.

(The location is close to the municipality, so the primary area that our forces will secure is the seat of the municipal government.)

After the tension, the Basilan police said government forces, local leaders, and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) representatives signed a Joint Statement of Commitment to reaffirm their collective resolve to de-escalate the situation, promote dialogue, and ensure the safety and security of all residents.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the situation in Tipo-Tipo is now under control.

“The incident is now under control, with the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Provincial Government of Basilan facilitating dialogue and de-escalation,” the AFP said in a statement.

“The AFP, through the Western Mindanao Command and Joint Task Force Orion, continues to coordinate closely with the Philippine National Police, the Basilan Council of Elders, and the MILF leadership to restore normalcy and protect civilians,” it added.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), security efforts have been intensified in the area following the tension.

“The PNP, in close coordination with the AFP, the Provincial Government of Basilan, and local partners, has intensified security and investigative efforts to ensure that justice is served while preserving peace and order in the area,” PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

“We appeal to everyone to reject violence and revenge and instead support the joint peace and law enforcement initiatives now being undertaken by the AFP, PNP, and local leaders, including the MILF,” he added. —RF, GMA Integrated News