Fatalities Reported following Clashes between Militant Groups in Maguindanao
Category: Conflict
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/20/2017 (Philippines) - According to local media sources on Wednesday, 20 September, clashes have reportedly taken place between fighters from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the Maguindanao region. It is reported that a MILF patrol came across a group of BIFF militants near Salibo village, and at least six BIFF militants and two MILF fighters were killed in the resultant gun battle. The MILF group, which signed a peace agreement with the government in 2014, launched an offensive against the BIFF in Maguindanao in early August.
Those in Maguindanao should be aware of ongoing efforts to oust extremist militants from the region and increased risk of exposure to incidental violence. Numerous militant and separatist militia groups operate in the area and any operationally-critical travel to the region should be subject to a thorough localised threat assessment and extensive security risk management procedures. Travellers should monitor local media sources to remain apprised of any security-related incidents in their particular area of operations and heed any directives issued by local authorities.
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