Tipo-Tipo, Basilan villagers return home after clan clash

Hundreds of villagers were displaced in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan due to a two-day clash between Yakan groups, stemming from a revenge killing.

The conflict began after barangay councilor and religious teacher Ustadz Nadzmi Tarahin was killed on October 21.

On October 27, over a hundred armed men, including Tarahin's relatives and MILF members, marched to Tipo-Tipo and surrounded the town hall, demanding the surrender of a suspect.

The MILF has since denied official involvement, stating any participating members acted on their own due to kinship.

The situation has returned to normal, with evacuees returning to their homes and businesses reopening.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police have tightened security and are conducting peacekeeping and investigative operations.

Four civilians were wounded during the incident and received treatment at the Lamitan City District Hospital.