At least four civilians were injured after an armed encounter erupted in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, between members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the group of one of the suspects allegedly behind the killing of an MILF religious leader.

Authorities said that before the tension broke out, MILF members, the military, the police, and the provincial government have reportedly reached an agreement to capture one of the three suspects accused of killing MILF religious leader Nadzri Tarahin.

Tarahin, a councilman in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, was shot dead at a bus terminal in Barangay Malinis, Lamitan City on October 21, 2025 while he was waiting for his daughter.

Two suspects were arrested during hot pursuit.

Reports said Tarahin was targeted after reprimanding the suspects for alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

“Wala man silang alitan subalit yung mga tagabenta ng shabu, pinagalitan ni Ustadz na nabaril doon sa Lamitan. Kaya yung mga kamag-anak at saka kasamahan niya, hiningi sana sa LGU sa Tipo-Tipo, pasukuin nila yung bumaril,” MILF-BIAF 114th Deputy Base Commander, Verjiv Rajan Abdurahaman, said.

The MILF’s attempt to have the suspect surrender resulted in a gun battle.

“Yung mga suspek, mga perpetrator, taga-Tipo-Tipo, mga drug pusher, mga drug addict. Kasi parang walang assurance na galing sa LGU na o kaya sa law enforcement na magkaroon ng hustisya. Kaya kagabi, nakapasok kami doon mismo sa grupo ng MILF. Kinausap namin ang mga commander kung ano talaga ang gusto nila or demand nila. Mag-alis na sana pero kaninang umaga, yung paalis na sana yung tropa ng MILF, bigla pinaputukan sila. Doon na nag-umpisa ang putukan. Yung nagpaputok kaninang umaga, yung mga tropa ng drug pusher,” Abdurahaman added.

The tension prompted the local government to suspend classes and government and economic work on October 28.

Several residents also fled their homes while the road leading to the clash site was closed.

During the exchange of fire, four civilians were injured, one of whom sustained serious injuries and was brought to the hospital for treatment.

The provincial government said the MILF could not simply arrest the suspect as due process must be followed.

“Kasi meron silang sinuspek na municipal guard ng municipal government. So ang gusto nila, isuko sa kanila, of which, hindi naman. Suspect lang nila yun. Kasi nung tinanong ko ang PNP, ongoing yung investigation nila at wala pa silang clear picture pero sabi nila malapit na sila doon sa conclusion,” Governor Mujiv Hataman, said.

The provincial government added that the incident was an isolated case and that authorities are in control of the situation.

“This is an isolated case. Na-manage naman to. Hindi naman nag-escalate kasi nga nakausap naman natin ang both camps. In fact, yung municipal government is nasa defensive lang. Ang ating law enforcement pati yung security forces, andoon to pacify at in-apply yung maximum tolerance. Hindi sila nag-engage kahit merong putukan,” Hataman said.

Authorities hope that the tension will subside soon so that displaced residents who fled the area after receiving threats a day before can safely return to their homes.