Philippines: Abu Sayyaf militants kill three security forces in Basilan April 10

Event

Abu Sayyaf militants killed three security forces in Sumisip municipality (Basilan province) on Wednesday, April 10. Joint Task Force Basilan forces have reportedly been deployed to search for the assailants.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in the area over the coming days. Similar Abu Sayyaf attacks targeting security forces are likely in the Sulu Archipelago over the near term.

Context

Notably, a twin bombing at a cathedral in Jolo killed at least 20 people and wounded more than 100 others on January 27. The bombing came shortly after residents in the southern Philippines, including in Sulu, voted to create the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), part of the peace process aimed at ending the conflict with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) militants. Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for the attack.

Abu Sayyaf is an Islamic State (IS)-affiliated jihadist militant group operating primarily in the southern Philippines. The group's criminal and terrorist activities include kidnappings, bombings, and beheadings in western Mindanao. 

Advice

Individuals in Basilan province, and in the southern Philippines more generally, are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.