The situation in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan has gradually returned to normal following the tension caused by the armed encounter between two groups on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Governor Mujiv Hataman announced in a statement.

Hataman said the tension subsided and peace was restored after a series of negotiations and coordinated efforts among peace partners, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and various traditional and religious leaders.

“Dahil sa pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ng lahat, matagumpay nating naibalik ang kapayapaan at normal na pamumuhay sa ating mga komunidad,” Hataman said.

“Hinihikayat ko ang bawat isa na ipagpatuloy ang ating pagkakaisa at kooperasyon upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at seguridad sa buong Basilan,” Hataman added.

Hataman visited the town early Wednesday to meet with local officials and discuss the security situation.

The governor also went to several barangays to oversee the distribution of relief assistance to families affected by the conflict.

The assistance provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) included rice, canned goods, and hygiene kits.

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

The exchange of fire broke out after the MILF’s attempt to have one of the suspects in the killing MILF religious leader Nadzri Tarahin surrender failed, as the suspect’s group reportedly opened fire.

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.

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.

“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 military confirmed that the incident was a rido or clan-related conflict and said troops were deployed to prevent any armed group from advancing toward key facilities, including the municipal hall, and avoid further escalation while ensuring the safety of civilians.