A military convoy was ambushed in the town of Tipo-Tipo in Basilan, October 5, 2026. Handout/PRO-BAR
MANILA — At least 10 soldiers were injured when a military convoy was ambushed in Barangay Badja in the town of Tipo-Tipo in Basilan province, Monday morning.
According to a report from the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), the convoy, composed of three military trucks and three civilian vehicles, was traversing the road from Tipo-Tipo en route to Lamitan City when it encountered an armed attack by still unidentified perpetrators.
In a separate report, the Philippine Army said the military convoy was from the 45th Infantry Battalion and was traveling toward the headquarters of the 1101st Infantry "Gagandilan" Brigade in Tabiawan, Isabela City.
Police said tracking indicators confirmed that the ambush was carried out as a retaliatory act allegedly orchestrated by an armed faction under Saddam Siddick.
"This hostile action directly stems from the recent military operation in Barangay Baimbing, Lamitan City, which resulted in an armed encounter wherein Siddick's second wife, identified as Nermalyn Salapuddin Musa, sustained fatal injuries," the PRO-BAR said.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation, while wounded troops were immediately provided medical care in Lamitan City.
"Putting the safety of our fellow Filipinos as our top priority, pursuit operations are underway, and the Philippine Army is determined to bring the perpetrators to justice," Dema-ala said.
"Violence of any kind must never be tolerated, and violators must be held accountable under our rule of law. If lawless offenders can put our uniformed men at risk, then they will use any situation as a license to endanger our most vulnerable brothers and sisters in nearby communities," he added.