NATION

Peace reigns in Tipo-Tipo

Nonoy Lacson · Nov 9, 2025, 1:34 AM

Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman (2nd from left) and a community leader smile as Tipo-Tipo Mayor Ingatun Istarul (in black jacket) and Ustadz Ansur Tarahin, a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, embrace each other during the peace settlement at the provincial capitol in Lamitan City on Friday (Nov.7, 2025). The peace settlement brought an end to the conflict between some members of the MILF and the Istarul-led Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team of Tipo-Tipo, which began last Oct. 28. — Photo by Teofilo Garcia Jr.

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — Peace has finally come to Tipo-Tipo.

The main players behind the fierce firefight that shook the area have agreed to a formal peace pact, pledging an immediate stop to violence, retaliation and armed confrontations in Tipo-Tipo and nearby communities.

Brigadier General Frederick M. Sales, commander of the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows), said the covenant signing took place Friday at the “Raayat” (Conference) Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Sta. Clara Village, Lamitan City.

Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, joined by local officials, security forces, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and municipal leaders, called for unity among residents — especially within the Yakan community.

“We are gathered today not to point fingers, but to strengthen our unity and love as Basilan residents and as Yakan,” Gov. Hataman said. He urged the community to replace misunderstanding with compassion, emphasizing the shared challenges and the collective effort needed to move forward.

The signing was more than just a ceremony. Tipo-Tipo Mayor Ingatun Istarul and Ustadz Ansur Tarahin, a respected MILF leader, clasped hands and embraced, signaling that the time for conflict is over and a new era of cooperation has begun.