15 Oct 2020 | 11:19 AM UTC
Philippines: Rival militant factions clash in Maguindanao province October 14
At least one dead as Rival MILF factions clash in Mamasapano (Maguindanao province) on October 14; heightened security expected in the near term
Event
On Wednesday, October 14, rival factions within the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) group reportedly clashed in Maguindanao province. The incident occurred in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano and led to the death of at least one person with another four injured.
Further clashes in the area remain possible in the near term, and a heightened security presence is to be expected in the area over the coming days.
Context
Multiple armed criminal and militant groups are still active in the southern Philippines. These include Dawla Islamiay, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) splinter groups, and the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.
Advice
Individuals in the southern Philippines are advised to monitor developments, remain vigilant for militant and criminal activity, anticipate continued military operations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
As a reminder, several Western governments advise against travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago due to the risk of kidnapping and terrorism.
