An intense firefight broke out on Tuesday morning in a residential area of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, involving high-powered firearms, forcing residents to flee their homes.

According to the Tipo-Tipo Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), about 90 percent of the town’s residents have evacuated due to the ongoing armed confrontation.

Authorities described the situation as an “under siege” scenario between members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and another unidentified armed group.

Sources told DZRH reporter RH Jun Dimacutac that the clash was reportedly triggered by the killing of a barangay councilor and two other residents from Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo. When MILF members entered the area to pursue the suspects, the gun battle ensued.

Meanwhile, Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala confirmed reports of an exchange of gunfire between armed groups in the area earlier this morning, as reported by RH Edniel Parrosa.

Dema-ala assured the public that government forces are “on top of the situation” and have been deployed to restore order.

As a precautionary measure, the local government has suspended operations in all government offices in Tipo-Tipo “until further notice.”

Around 11:20 a.m., MGen. Leonardo Peña of the 11th Infantry Division reported that the situation in Tipo-Tipo has been de-escalated. One civilian was injured during the exchange of gunfire, while no casualties were reported among government troops.