MANILA: Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan was reported to be “under siege,” with the Philippine Army confirming that an “incident” had occurred there.
Government troops clashed with armed men in the municipality on Tuesday morning, prompting mass evacuations as the Philippine Army worked to verify reports that the attackers were linked to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
In a post on social media, the Tipo-Tipo Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said the firefight began around 7am in the town proper and that “heavy exchange of gunfire” continued in residential areas as of noon.
The MDRRMO said an estimated 90 per cent of residents from Tipo-Tipo Proper had fled their homes and urged evacuees to send their information for accounting and relief purposes.
“Stay calm and contact your Barangay Officials or MDRRMO for further information and assistance,” the post read.
All classes and government work in the town have been suspended until further notice.
“Everyone is advised to stay safe and remain vigilant,” the LGU said.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala confirmed that an incident occurred in Tipo-Tipo but said the military is still verifying the details and possible involvement of MILF elements.
“The Philippine Army confirms that an incident occurred earlier today in the municipality of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan,” he said.
“We are currently verifying the details of what transpired and coordinating with concerned units on the ground to obtain a complete and accurate report,” he added.
Dema-ala did not disclose further details regarding the nature of the incident, but he said troops are now deployed to secure the area and are in close coordination with LGUs “to restore normalcy” there.
As of press time, the firefight had not yet been officially declared contained, and authorities have yet to issue a full report on casualties or damage. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
