ARMED men claimed control of the town hall of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, in this coastal municipality and blocked access to government offices as early Tuesday, October 28, demanding the surrender of a suspect in a village councilman’s killing, provincial officials said.
The men, identified by officials as members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) — the armed wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) — encircled the municipal building and fired shots in the air to pressure local authorities, according to the town government of Tipo‑Tipo.
Classes, local government work and economic activities were suspended while the siege continued, the local government wrote in a public announcement.
Mujiv Hataman, governor of Basilan province, said as of 10 am Tuesday there were no casualties, but tensions were high as government troops moved in.
“This is not between the MILF and the government. This is between local parties in Tipo-Tipo,” he told Gold Star Daily by phone.
The Philippine Army confirmed the incident and said it was coordinating with the local government and deploying forces to stabilize the situation.
The siege revives memories of previous armed clashes on the island, highlighting ongoing volatility in areas once heavily contested by insurgent groups.
Officials say the standoff began when BIAF fighters demanded the release of a security guard hired by the municipal government who is accused of involvement in the killing of a village councilman.
The group insisted the suspect be handed over to them — otherwise they would escalate the confrontation, the municipality’s statement reads in part.
As noon approached, more government troops arrived and negotiations were underway, though no timetable was given for the resolution of the siege.
