Philippines: Militants kills two soldiers in Maguindanao province Feb. 28

Event

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) militants reportedly ambushed Philippine soldiers in Datu Salibo (Maguindanao province) on Thursday, February 28, killing two troops. The clash reportedly came as Philippine military forces were carrying out an operation near the Liguashan Marsh (Maguindanao province). Further military operations and clashes are expected in the coming days and weeks in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Context

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). MILF fought an insurgency against the government since the 1970s before signing a ceasefire agreement in 2014. However, there remain a number of active armed criminal and terrorist groups in southern Philippines.  

Advice

Individuals in the southern Philippines are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant and criminal activity, anticipate continued military operations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home government. 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.