Philippines: IED blast wounds soldiers in Ampatuan (Maguindanao province) September 25

Event

The detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) wounded three soldiers whilst they were conducting operations in the vicinity of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province during the morning of Wednesday, September 25. Reports indicate that the blast occurred in the vicinity of the village of Saniag as soldiers were pursuing members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Additional troops have been deployed to the area following the incident. The attack came following operations in the area during which government troops seized a camp used by militants. A number of IEDs were recovered from the area.

Context

BIFF is an Islamist militant organization and Moro secessionist group active on Mindanao. The group has been active since 2008, when it split from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

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 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.