Timeline of the Moro conflict
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This is a chronology of the Moro conflict, an ongoing
armed conflict War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents, and militias. It is generally characterized by extreme violence, destruction, and mortality, using regular ...
in the southern Philippines between jihadist groups such as the
Abu Sayyaf Group Abu Sayyaf (; ar, جماعة أبو سياف; ', ASG), officially known by the Islamic State as the Islamic State – East Asia Province, is a Jihadist militant and pirate group that follows the Wahhabi doctrine of Sunni Islam. It is based i ...
, the Maute Group, Jemaah Islamiyah, and Islamic State affiliates, mainstream separatist groups such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and the Philippine Government since 1971. Much of the fighting has been concentrated on the island of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, with spillover incidents and attacks occurring in the Philippine capital Manila and neighboring countries such as Malaysia.


Timeline of the conflict


1972

* 21 October – The Moro National Liberation Front was founded by Nur Misuari as a splinter group from the
Muslim Independence Movement The Muslim Independence Movement (MIM) was a secessionist political organization in the Philippines. On 1 May 1968, two months after the Jabidah massacre, Datu Udtog Matalam, a former governor of Cotabato, issued a Manifesto for the declaration of ...
.


2000

* 30 January – A MILF attack on government troops in Carmen, Cotabato ended in a gunbattle with 7 MILF members killed and 3 soldiers wounded. * 17 March – A MILF brigade led by a Abdullah Macapaar (''
Commander Bravo Abdullah Goldiano Makapaar bin Sabbar (born ), commonly known by his ''nom de guerre'' Commander Bravo, was a former Moro rebel in the Philippines who fought under the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a commander. Makapaar is now a polit ...
'') reportedly held the siege of the municipal hall of
Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte Kauswagan, officially the Municipality of Kauswagan (Maranao: ''Monisipiyo san Kauswagan'', ceb, Lungsod sa Kauswagan, tl, Bayan ng Kauswagan), is a 5th class municipality in the province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2020 c ...
. * 2 April – Five MILF rebels and a soldier were killed in a clash in
Matungao, Lanao del Norte Matungao, officially the Municipality of Matungao ( Maranao: ''Inged a Matungao''; ceb, Lungsod sa Matungao; tl, Bayan ng Matungao), is a 5th class municipality in the province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, ...
.
"5 MILF, 1 soldier killed in Lanao Battle"
' PHNO. April 4, 2000. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
* 7 May – Eleven soldiers from the 32nd Special Forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were slain in an ambush by the
ASG ASG may refer to: Businesses and organizations * Abu Sayyaf Group, a militant Islamist group based in the Philippines * Albright Stonebridge Group (est. 2009), a global business strategy firm based in Washington, D.C., United States * Avia Solu ...
in Lantawan, Basilan. * 16 July – A bomb explosion by suspected MILF rebels at a market in
Kabacan, Cotabato Kabacan officially the Municipality of Kabacan ( Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Kabakan'', Jawi: ايڠايد نو كابكن; Iranun: ''Inged a Kabacan'', ايڠايد ا كابكن; ilo, Ili ti Kabacan; hil, Banwa sang Kabacan; ceb, Lungsod sa Ka ...
killed 4 people and wounded more than 30 others. * 16 September – Military offensive against the ASG began; 19 captives were later rescued; by mid-December, 205 ASG guerrillas and 12 from the military had been reportedly killed. * Early November – Government troops seized a hideout of the extremists in Talipao, Sulu, with several rebels killed in the assault. * 10 November: ** Combined government forces prevented an attempt by MILF rebels to take over the town proper of Upi, Maguindanao and to kidnap Chinese residents; a gunbattle left 3 rebels dead. ** A clash in Tuburan, Basilan between the militiamen and MILF rebels, who had reinforced the armed followers of a village chief, killed 2 MILF rebels and a militiaman. ** Four ASG rebels were slain, as well as a soldier, in a clash between government forces and about 60 rebels in Talipao, Sulu. * 11 November – MILF rebels attacked two buses while passing on the road in
Pikit, Cotabato Pikit, officially the Municipality of Pikit ( Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Pikit'', Jawi: ايڠايد نو ڤيكيت; Iranun: ''Inged a Pikit'', ايڠايد ا ڤيكيت; Hiligaynon: ''Banwa sang Pikit''; Cebuano: ''Lungsod sa Pikit''; Tagalo ...
, killing a passenger and wounding 16 others.
"Cotabato: MILF attack buses: 1 dead, 16 hurt"
' PHNO. Nov 12, 2000. Retrieved Feb 26, 2022.
* 23 November – Soldiers pursuing two groups of ASG fighters clashed with more than 80 guerillas in the jungle near Mt. Danao in Talipao, Sulu. Officials claimed an unknown number of rebels were slain. * 17 December – The 12th Scout Ranger Company of the Philippine Army attacked an ASG hideout in Patikul, Sulu and fought against some 140 rebels; 7 ASG members, as well as a soldier, were killed.
"7 Abu Sayyaf men killed in clashes"
' PHNO. Dec 20, 2000. Retrieved Feb 26, 2022.
* 18 December – Two MILF guerrillas were killed in a clash with the 44th Infantry Battalion in
Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte Sirawai, officially the Municipality of Sirawai ( ceb, Lungsod sa Sirawai; Subanen: ''Benwa Sirawai''; Chavacano: ''Municipalidad de Sirawai''; tl, Bayan ng Sirawai), is a 4th class municipality in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippine ...
.


2006

* 10 October – Bomb attacks by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Makilala, Cotabato and Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat killed eight and wounded at least thirty others. * 18 October – At least three persons were killed in a bomb explosion, perpetrated by the ASG, near a police camp in Jolo, Sulu.


2010


2011


2012

* 23 January – 193 MNLF combatants led by Hadji Obin Talab, Sharif Ahmad and Alawi Hajan allegedly defected to the MILF following a meeting in Barangay Marsada,
Panglima Estino, Sulu Panglima Estino, officially the Municipality of Panglima Estino ( Tausūg: ''Kawman sin Panglima Estino''; tl, Bayan ng Panglima Estino), is a 5th class municipality in the province of Sulu, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a po ...
. Ustad Habir Malik, operating in
Luuk, Sulu Luuk, officially the Municipality of Luuk ( Tausūg: ''Kawman sin Luuk''; tl, Bayan ng Luuk), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Sulu, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 37,873 people. On July 14, 2007, ...
, formerly led the MNLF defectors.


2013


2014


2015


2016

* 6 December – A soldier was killed while a policeman was wounded in separate clashes between government forces and suspected members of the Maute group in
Butig Butig, officially the Municipality of Butig (Maranao: ''Dalm a Butig''), is a 6th class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 22,768 people. This ancient and royal town ...
, Lanao del Sur. * 10 December – Three members of Abu Sayyaf, including a leader, were killed in a shooting between the police and the militants in Malaysia. * 20 December – Four fishing boat crew were reportedly abducted off
Sulu Sulu (), officially the Province of Sulu (Tausug language, Tausūg: ''Wilāya sin Lupa' Sūg''; tl, Lalawigan ng Sulu), is a Provinces of the Philippines, province of the Philippines in the Sulu Archipelago and part of the Bangsamoro, Bangsamor ...
. * 24 December – At least sixteen people, including a police officer, were injured in a blast outside a Catholic church in
Midsayap, Cotabato Midsayap, officially the Municipality of Midsayap ( Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Midsayap'', Jawi: ايڠايد نو ميدسايڤ; Iranun: ''Inged a Midsayap'', ايڠايد ا ميدسايڤ; hil, Banwa sang Midsayap; ceb, Lungsod sa Midsayap; ...
. * 28 December – Two bombs injured thirty-three people who were attending an amateur boxing match in the town of
Hilongos, Leyte Hilongos (IPA: ɪ'lɔŋos, officially the Municipality of Hilongos ( ceb, Lungsod sa Hilongos; war, Bungto han Hilongos; tl, Bayan ng Hilongos), is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Leyte, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, ...
in the Visayas, well beyond the conflict zone in Mindanao. Authorities believe that the BIFF or the Maute group are responsible. * 29 December – A bomb exploded on a highway in
Aleosan, Cotabato Aleosan, officially the Municipality of Aleosan ( Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Aleosan'', Jawi: ايڠايد نو الاوسن; Iranun: ''Inged a Aleosan'', ايڠايد ا الاوسن; hil, Banwa sang Aleosan; ceb, Lungsod sa Aleosan; tl, Bayan ...
, wounding six people. * 31 December – An improvised explosive device exploded outside the municipal gymnasium of Sultan Sumagka, Maguindanao where a gathering for peace and unity was held on New Year's Eve, no one is injured.


2017

* 4 January – 2017 Kidapawan jail siege: Around 100 gunmen attack the North Cotabato District Jail in
Kidapawan Kidapawan, officially the City of Kidapawan ( ceb, Dakbayan sa Kidapawan; hil, Dakbanwa sang Kidapawan; Maguindanaon: ''Kuta nu Kidapawan'', Jawi: كوتا نو كيدڤاوان; Obo Monuvu: ''Ingod to Kidapawan''), is a 3rd class component c ...
City. A total of 158 inmates escape, fourteen of whom are quickly recaptured, while five others are killed. * 29 January – Two children were killed and three others were injured when a bomb went off in
Al-Barka, Basilan Al-Barka, officially the Municipality of Al-Barka ( Tausūg: ''Lupah Al-Barka''; Chavacano: ''Municipalidad de Al-Barka''; tgl, Bayan ng Al-Barka), is a municipality in the province of Basilan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a ...
. * 15 February – Eight passengers were wounded when suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen shot at a bus on the outskirts of Zamboanga City. * 27 February – a German sailor is beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf after being taken hostage since November 5, 2016. * 16 March – A Vietnamese seafarer who was kidnapped on 19 February by the Abu Sayyaf is killed while trying to escape. * 31 March – An improvised explosive device explodes in
Midsayap, Cotabato Midsayap, officially the Municipality of Midsayap ( Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Midsayap'', Jawi: ايڠايد نو ميدسايڤ; Iranun: ''Inged a Midsayap'', ايڠايد ا ميدسايڤ; hil, Banwa sang Midsayap; ceb, Lungsod sa Midsayap; ...
before dawn wounding a pedicab driver and a minor. * 11 April –
2017 Bohol clashes The 2017 Bohol clashes were armed conflicts that took place in April and May 2017 between Philippine security forces and Moro ISIL-affiliated militants led by members of the Abu Sayyaf in Inabanga, Bohol, Philippines. Three Philippine Army soldi ...
: The Abu Sauyaf Group launches an amphibious incursion into the province of Bohol in the Visayas, triggering a massive government operation that leaves 17 people dead. * 13 July – The bullet-riddled body of Vietnamese national Tran Viet Van was re-covered in Barangay Buhanginan in Patikul, Sulu after being held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf. * 28 July – Nine soldiers were injured when suspected militants set off an improvised explosive device (IED) in
Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao Rajah Buayan, officially the Municipality of Rajah Buayan ( Maguindanaon: ''Ingud nu Rajah Buayan''; Iranun: ''Inged a Rajah Buayan''; tl, Bayan ng Rajah Buayan), is a municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. According ...
. * 18 August – Five fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) die in a clash with BIFF militants. * 21 August – Nine people are killed, while sixteen others are wounded after Abu Sayyaf bandits attack a village in Maluso, Basilan. * 16 October – The leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group, Isnilon Hapilon is killed by the Philippine Army, along with the co-founder of the Maute group
Omar Maute Omarkhayam Romato Maute (June 12, 1980 – October 16, 2017) was a Moro militant who co-founded, along with his brother Abdullah Maute, a ''Dawlah Islamiyah'' (Islamic state) group in Mindanao, Philippines, commonly known as the Maute group afte ...
in Marawi, Lanao del Sur. * 23 October – The five-month-long siege in Marawi ended with the Philippine Government declaring victory. * 24 October – The Maute group is declared "practically wiped out" by the Armed Forces of the Philippines following the deaths of the seven Maute brothers. * 15 December – Remnants of the Maute group reportedly are recruiting new members around Marawi. The successor group has been labeled as the "Turaifie group" after its purported leader, Abu Turaifie. * 31 December – ** Two people were killed and sixteen others were injured when an improvised bomb went off along the national highway in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat. **A policeman is killed while five others are injured when a bomb explodes as a police vehicle passes some 400 meters from the provincial headquarters of the
Philippine National Police The Philippine National Police ( fil, Pambansang Pulisya ng Pilipinas, acronymed as PNP) is the armed national police force in the Philippines. Its national headquarters is located at Camp Crame in Bagong Lipunan ng Crame, Quezon City. Current ...
in
Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao Shariff Aguak, officially the Municipality of Shariff Aguak ( Maguindanaoan: ''Kuta Shariff Aguak''), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 33,982 peo ...
.


2018

* 1 January – Two soldiers from the 57th IB are injured when an improvised explosive device explodes near the provincial hospital in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. * 8 January – Five Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and a soldier were killed in a five-hour attack in
Datu Unsay, Maguindanao Datu Unsay, officially the Municipality of Datu Unsay (Maguindanaon: ''Ingud nu Datu Unsay''; Iranun: ''Inged a Datu Unsay''; tl, Bayan ng Datu Unsay), is a 5th class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. According to ...
* 9 January – A soldier is killed while two civilians are injured when a suspected Islamic State-inspired group sets off two separate roadside bombs in Maguindanao * 19 January – Two explosions rock Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, believed to be the work of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). No one is hurt. * 25 January – Two civilians are killed while another is injured in an improvised bomb explosion in a ricefield in
Datu Piang, Maguindanao Datu Piang, officially the Municipality of Datu Piang ( Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Datu Piang''; tl, Bayan ng Datu Piang), is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a popu ...
. * 1 February – Two people are killed while four others are wounded when Abu Sayyaf bandits attack a private vehicle in Patikul, Sulu. * 14 February – Members of the Abu Sayyaf Group abduct a government engineer in Jolo, Sulu. * 18 February – Five soldiers, including a junior officer, are injured in a roadside bombing in Datu Unsay, Maguidanao. * 29 April – Abu Sayyaf extremists kidnapp four people, including two policewomen in Patikul, Sulu. * 7 May – Three Abu Sayyaf terrorists are killed and seven soldiers wounded in an encounter in Patikul, Sulu. * 13–14 May – Eleven Abu Sayyaf terrorists and three soldiers are killed and 17 others injured in several shootouts in Patikul, Sulu. * 10 June – The Philippine Army launched an operation against Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, led by Esmail Abdulmalik (''Abu Toraife''), in the southern
Liguasan Marsh Liguasan Marsh is a marsh in the Mindanao River basin in the southern island of Mindanao, Philippines. The marsh covers an area of around spanning the provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat. of this area is reserved for a game ...
in the borders of
Pagalungan Pagalungan, officially the Municipality of Pagalungan ( Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Pagalungan''; Iranun: ''Inged a Pagalungan''; tl, Bayan ng Pagalungan), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Bangsamoro, Philippines. ...
and Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun in
Maguindanao Maguindanao (, Maguindanao language, Maguindanaon: ''Prubinsya nu Magindanaw''; Iranun language, Iranun'': Perobinsia a Magindanao''; tl, Lalawigan ng Maguindanao) was a Provinces of the Philippines, province of the Philippines located in the ...
, where the group's main explosives facility and camp were destroyed by airstrikes; at least 15 BIFF members were killed, including five
Indonesians Indonesians (Indonesian: ''orang Indonesia'') are citizens or people originally from Indonesia, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. There are more than 1,300 ethnicities in Indonesia, making it a multicultural archipelagic coun ...
and a Singaporean, 10 were injured, and a couple allegedly involved in bomb-making was captured. Eight other BIFF members were killed in succeeding military operations in
Datu Unsay Datu Unsay, officially the Municipality of Datu Unsay ( Maguindanaon: ''Ingud nu Datu Unsay''; Iranun: ''Inged a Datu Unsay''; tl, Bayan ng Datu Unsay), is a 5th class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. According to ...
and
Datu Hoffer Ampatuan Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, officially the Municipality of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan (Maguindanaon: ''Ingud nu Datu Hoffer Ampatuan''; Iranun: ''Inged a Datu Hoffer Ampatuan''; tl, Bayan ng Datu Hoffer Ampatuan), is a municipality in the province of Maguin ...
in Maguindanao and in
Midsayap, Cotabato Midsayap, officially the Municipality of Midsayap ( Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Midsayap'', Jawi: ايڠايد نو ميدسايڤ; Iranun: ''Inged a Midsayap'', ايڠايد ا ميدسايڤ; hil, Banwa sang Midsayap; ceb, Lungsod sa Midsayap; ...
. * 16 June – A woman believed to be pregnant was killed while a 14-year-old boy was injured by mortar fire from members of the BIFF in General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao. * 30 June – Militants of the BIFF detonate two bombs that rock the Barangay Hall of Timbangan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. No one is injured in the incident. * 1–4 July – Eight more members of the BIFF are killed in a series of clashes in Maguindanao. * 31 July – A bomb exploded in a van and killed a suspected bomber, a soldier, four paramilitaries and four civilians, including a mother and her child, at a military checkpoint in Lamitan, Basilan. Twelve others are wounded. * 28 August – Two civilians are killed and thirty-six injured by a homemade bomb during a street festival in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. * 2 September –
2018 Isulan bombings The Isulan bombing was an act of Islamic terrorism by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the municipality of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, which killed 3 and injured over 36 in a town festival. August 28 bombing The bombing occurred on 28 August ...
: A bomb blast in an internet cafe in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat kills 1 and injures 15. The attack is blamed on the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. * 14 September – Clashes with the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, Sulu result in 17 wounded from the military, while 7 Abu Sayyaf militants are killed and 6 wounded. * 16 September – Eight people are injured including a six-year-old girl, when a bomb went off in front of a pharmacy in
General Santos General Santos, officially the City of General Santos,; hil, Dakbanwa sang Heneral Santos; Maguindanao language, Maguindanao: ''Ingud nu Heneral Santos''; Blaan language, Blaan: ''Banwe Dadiangas''; Tboli language, Tboli: ''Benwu Dadiangas'' ...
. The police blame the pro-ISIS faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for the bombing.


2019

* January – A suicide bombing in a Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu killed 23 people including an
Indonesian Indonesian is anything of, from, or related to Indonesia, an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. It may refer to: * Indonesians, citizens of Indonesia ** Native Indonesians, diverse groups of local inhabitants of the archipelago ** Indonesian ...
couple suspected to be the perpetrators of the attack. The bombing was reportedly masterminded by
Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan was a Filipino militant affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf. He was the leader of the group which has associated itself with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) since 2014. On July 6, 2020, Hajan Sawadjaan was severely ...
, leader of the Islamic State in the Philippines who had succeeded Isnilon Hapilon. Sawadjaan and his relatives were members of an Abu Sayyaf–Hapilon faction. * Government roops killed a brother of Mundi Sawadjaan in an encounter in Patikul, Sulu.


2020

* 16 January – Five
Indonesian Indonesian is anything of, from, or related to Indonesia, an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. It may refer to: * Indonesians, citizens of Indonesia ** Native Indonesians, diverse groups of local inhabitants of the archipelago ** Indonesian ...
fishermen were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf (ASG), reportedly with the involvement of its sub-leader Injam Yadah, in the waters off Malaysia. One of them was killed in
Sulu Sulu (), officially the Province of Sulu (Tausug language, Tausūg: ''Wilāya sin Lupa' Sūg''; tl, Lalawigan ng Sulu), is a Provinces of the Philippines, province of the Philippines in the Sulu Archipelago and part of the Bangsamoro, Bangsamor ...
later that year; the rest were separately rescued by the troops in Tawi-Tawi in March 2021. * 6 July – A gunbattle between the
ASG ASG may refer to: Businesses and organizations * Abu Sayyaf Group, a militant Islamist group based in the Philippines * Albright Stonebridge Group (est. 2009), a global business strategy firm based in Washington, D.C., United States * Avia Solu ...
and the troops occurred in a jungle near Patikul, Sulu. The Philippine Army believed that
Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan was a Filipino militant affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf. He was the leader of the group which has associated itself with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) since 2014. On July 6, 2020, Hajan Sawadjaan was severely ...
, leader of the Islamic State group in the southern Philippines, was wounded and later died. * 24 August – Two ASG militants staged suicide bombings in Jolo, Sulu, killing at least 14 people and injuring 75 more. Military officials suspected Mundi Sawadjaan, Hatib Hajan's nephew, of plotting the attacks. * 3 November – A military offensive was launched against the ASG at the sea off Sulare Island in
Parang, Sulu Parang, officially the Municipality of Parang ( Tausūg: ''Kawman sin Parang''; tl, Bayan ng Parang), is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Sulu, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 71,495 people. Geograph ...
, resulting in the sinking of the boat used by fighters as well as the deaths of seven suspected ASG members including two brothers of Mundi Sawadjaan. * The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that in 2020, sixty-eight ASG members were killed and another 128 surrendered in military operations. They also reported that from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, 31 members died, 184 surrendered, and 22 were arrested; and from Maute group, 31 members died, 35 surrendered, and five were arrested.


2021

* 16 April – An encounter with government troops in Patikul, Sulu ended with an
Egyptian Egyptian describes something of, from, or related to Egypt. Egyptian or Egyptians may refer to: Nations and ethnic groups * Egyptians, a national group in North Africa ** Egyptian culture, a complex and stable culture with thousands of years of ...
terrorist and two Abu Sayyaf members under Mundi Sawadjaan killed. * 23 April – A series of encounters between the military troops and an Abu Sayyaf (ASG) group under its sub-leader and bombmaker Mundi Sawadjaan in Patikul, Sulu resulted to two ASG militants being killed, including the eldest brother of Sawadjaan, who then evaded the military dragnet during a clash.
* 5 May – A gunfight occurred when more than 20 gunmen attacked soldiers patrolling in
Piagapo, Lanao del Sur Piagapo, officially the Municipality of Piagapo (Maranao: ''Inged a Piagapo''; tl, Bayan ng Piagapo), is a 4th class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 30,132 people. ...
; one of them, a henchman of the founders of the Maute Group, was killed while three others were wounded. * 8 May –
Datu Paglas market occupation On May 8, 2021, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters insurgents occupied the public market of the municipality of Datu Paglas in Maguindanao, Philippines, forcing many residents to evacuate. Background The public market in Datu Paglas was occupied ...
* 13 June – A shootout ensued at the residence of ASG sub-leader Injam Yadah in Jolo, Sulu as he was to be arrested by the combined security forces. Yadah, as well as three of his followers including a brother of Mundi Sawadjaan, were killed.


2022

* 10 January – A group of construction workers were shot in
Piagapo, Lanao del Sur Piagapo, officially the Municipality of Piagapo (Maranao: ''Inged a Piagapo''; tl, Bayan ng Piagapo), is a 4th class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 30,132 people. ...
with two of them killed. Two suspects, both alleged members of the '' Dawlah Islamiya''– Maute Group (DI-MG), were killed in an encounter in the same town on 5 February. * 2 February – Two DI–MG members were killed in a clash with government forces on
Balabagan, Lanao del Sur Balabagan, officially the Municipality of Balabagan ( Maranao and Iranun: ''Inged a Balabagan''; tl, Bayan ng Balabagan), is a 4th class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a pop ...
. * 6 February – Joint government forces, foiling a bombing plot, captured two DI–MG members in a pursuit operation in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur. * 1 March – The joint military and police operation against around 40 DI–MG members was launched in
Maguing, Lanao del Sur Maguing, officially the Municipality of Maguing (Maranao: ''Inged a Maguing''; tl, Bayan ng Maguing), is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 30,436 people. ...
with at least three suspected terrorists and a soldier killed in an encounter. * 25 March –
Abu Sayyaf Group Abu Sayyaf (; ar, جماعة أبو سياف; ', ASG), officially known by the Islamic State as the Islamic State – East Asia Province, is a Jihadist militant and pirate group that follows the Wahhabi doctrine of Sunni Islam. It is based i ...
leader in Basilan, Radzmil Jannatul, was killed during a gunfight between ASG members and a group of Scout Rangers in
Sumisip Sumisip, officially the Municipality of Sumisip (Yakan: ''Bulak Sumisip''; Chavacano: ''Municipalidad de Sumisip''; tgl, Bayan ng Sumisip), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Basilan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has ...
. Jannatul was the successor of Furuji Indama who was killed in late 2020. * 27 December – Two separate gunfights between rival MILF groups occurred in
Maguindanao del Sur Maguindanao del Sur, officially the Province of Maguindanao del Sur ( mdh, Dairat nu Pagabagatan Magindanaw, Jawi:دايرت نو ڤاڬابڬتنن ماڬينداناو ), is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro ...
. ** A pre-dawn encounter began in Sultan sa Barongis when a group from the 118th Base Command attacked a ''
sitio A ''sitio'' (Spanish for "site") in the Philippines is a territorial enclave that forms part of a barangay. Typically rural, a ''sitios location is usually far from the center of the barangay itself and could be its own barangay if its popul ...
'' and fired at the houses of their enemies led by a senior member of the 105th. An ensuing firefight killed two from the former group, including the leader, and the latter's leader's relative. ** Two armed rival clans fought in
Datu Montawal Datu Montawal, officially the Municipality of Datu Montawal (Maguindanaon: ''Ingud nu Datu Montawal''; Iranun: ''Inged a Datu Montawal''; tl, Bayan ng Datu Montawal), is a 5th class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines ...
, killing a gunman.


2023

* 5 February – Seven men allegedly linked to the Abu Sayyaf were killed in a pre-dawn encounter with government forces in
Parang, Sulu Parang, officially the Municipality of Parang ( Tausūg: ''Kawman sin Parang''; tl, Bayan ng Parang), is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Sulu, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 71,495 people. Geograph ...
near the boundary with
Maimbung Maimbung, officially the Municipality of Maimbung ( Tausūg: كاومن سين ماءيمبوڠ; tl, Bayan ng Maimbung), is a 5th class municipality in the province of Sulu, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 59,597 ...
. Two companions were arrested; three were wounded. * 18 February – Three BIFF members, including a field commander of the Karialan faction, were killed in an encounter with government forces in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat. * 20 February – An Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed in an encounter with the military troops in Patikul, Sulu. * 1 March – A member of the BIFF–Karialan Faction was killed in an encounter with the military in
Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur Ampatuan (), officially the Municipality of Ampatuan ( Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Ampatuan''; Iranun: ''Inged a Ampatuan''; tl, Bayan ng Ampatuan), is a 4th class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 20 ...
. * 22 March – The Philippine Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade launched operations against '' Dawlah Islamiya'' in the
Liguasan Marsh Liguasan Marsh is a marsh in the Mindanao River basin in the southern island of Mindanao, Philippines. The marsh covers an area of around spanning the provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat. of this area is reserved for a game ...
, in the border of the provinces of
Maguindanao del Sur Maguindanao del Sur, officially the Province of Maguindanao del Sur ( mdh, Dairat nu Pagabagatan Magindanaw, Jawi:دايرت نو ڤاڬابڬتنن ماڬينداناو ), is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro ...
and
Cotabato Cotabato or North Cotabato ( hil, Aminhan Cotabato; ceb, Amihanang Cotabato; Maguindanaon: ''Pangutaran Kutawatu'', Jawi: ڤڠوترن كوتاواتو; fil, Hilagang Cotabato), officially the Province of Cotabato, is a landlocked province in ...
, following reports in
Pagalungan Pagalungan, officially the Municipality of Pagalungan ( Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Pagalungan''; Iranun: ''Inged a Pagalungan''; tl, Bayan ng Pagalungan), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Bangsamoro, Philippines. ...
,
Datu Montawal Datu Montawal, officially the Municipality of Datu Montawal (Maguindanaon: ''Ingud nu Datu Montawal''; Iranun: ''Inged a Datu Montawal''; tl, Bayan ng Datu Montawal), is a 5th class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines ...
, and
Pikit Pikit, officially the Municipality of Pikit (Maguindanao language, Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Pikit'', Jawi Alphabet, Jawi: ايڠايد نو ڤيكيت; Iranun language, Iranun: ''Inged a Pikit'', ايڠايد ا ڤيكيت; Hiligaynon language, H ...
of sightings of armed men plotting to launch bombings in two provinces at the start of
Ramadan , type = islam , longtype = Religious , image = Ramadan montage.jpg , caption=From top, left to right: A crescent moon over Sarıçam, Turkey, marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Ramadan. Ramadan Quran reading in Bandar Torkaman, Iran. ...
. These started in a pre-dawn attack in Pagalungan against the 30-man DI–Hassan group camping in the border with Datu Montawal, followed by skirmishes; their lairs were pounded. By March 27, up to seven alleged DI members were killed in the artillery strikes; another was arrested. * 17 April – A double-decker bus unit was bombed in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, wounding at least six passengers. The provincial police filed charges against nine Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters members. In May, the military, in their search for the suspects, launched an operation at the suspected '' Dawlah Islamiya's'' lair in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur. * 3 June – The military, had located in Basilan the harboring position of ''
Dawlah Islamiyah The Maute group ( or ), also known as the Islamic State of Lanao, was a Islamic extremism, radical Islamism, Islamist group composed of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas and foreign fighters led by Omar Maute, the alleged founder ...
''–
Abu Sayyaf Group Abu Sayyaf (; ar, جماعة أبو سياف; ', ASG), officially known by the Islamic State as the Islamic State – East Asia Province, is a Jihadist militant and pirate group that follows the Wahhabi doctrine of Sunni Islam. It is based i ...
(DI–ASG) subleader in
Sulu Sulu (), officially the Province of Sulu (Tausug language, Tausūg: ''Wilāya sin Lupa' Sūg''; tl, Lalawigan ng Sulu), is a Provinces of the Philippines, province of the Philippines in the Sulu Archipelago and part of the Bangsamoro, Bangsamor ...
, Mundi Sawadjaan, in their attempt to apprehend him, rescued an
Indonesian Indonesian is anything of, from, or related to Indonesia, an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. It may refer to: * Indonesians, citizens of Indonesia ** Native Indonesians, diverse groups of local inhabitants of the archipelago ** Indonesian ...
teenager identified as the son of the suicide bombers behind the
2019 Jolo Cathedral bombings In the morning of January 27, 2019, two bombs exploded at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu, Philippines. Twenty people were killed and 102 others injured. The bombings took place a week after the autonom ...
. * 6 June – A focused military operation was conducted in Sumisip, Basilan against two DI and ASG subleaders in Sulu and Basilan provinces, wherein their two alleged followers were killed.
* 18 July – A clash occurred in
Datu Paglas Datu Paglas, officially the Municipality of Datu Paglas ( Maguindanaon: ''Ingud nu Datu Paglas''; Iranun: ''Inged a Datu Paglas''; tl, Bayan ng Datu Paglas), is a 4th class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. Accord ...
,
Maguindanao del Sur Maguindanao del Sur, officially the Province of Maguindanao del Sur ( mdh, Dairat nu Pagabagatan Magindanaw, Jawi:دايرت نو ڤاڬابڬتنن ماڬينداناو ), is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro ...
as security forces was about to serve a search warrant on the lair of a BIFF leader, who was later killed along with six other members. * 1 December – Eleven DI members, including its two ranking leaders, newly-declared chief for the Philippines Abdullah Sapal, and Nasser Guinaid Saptullah, who had succeeded ''Abu Turaifie'' as the leader of his group in
Maguindanao Maguindanao (, Maguindanao language, Maguindanaon: ''Prubinsya nu Magindanaw''; Iranun language, Iranun'': Perobinsia a Magindanao''; tl, Lalawigan ng Maguindanao) was a Provinces of the Philippines, province of the Philippines located in the ...
, were killed in an offensive by the army, under Western Mindanao Command, in
Datu Hoffer Ampatuan Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, officially the Municipality of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan (Maguindanaon: ''Ingud nu Datu Hoffer Ampatuan''; Iranun: ''Inged a Datu Hoffer Ampatuan''; tl, Bayan ng Datu Hoffer Ampatuan), is a municipality in the province of Maguin ...
,
Maguindanao del Sur Maguindanao del Sur, officially the Province of Maguindanao del Sur ( mdh, Dairat nu Pagabagatan Magindanaw, Jawi:دايرت نو ڤاڬابڬتنن ماڬينداناو ), is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro ...
. * 2 December: ** Mudzrimar "Mundi" Sawadjaan, an
ASG ASG may refer to: Businesses and organizations * Abu Sayyaf Group, a militant Islamist group based in the Philippines * Albright Stonebridge Group (est. 2009), a global business strategy firm based in Washington, D.C., United States * Avia Solu ...
subleader and bomb maker, was killed by security forces who had intercepted him in a military operation in the waters off
Tipo-Tipo Tipo-Tipo, officially the Municipality of Tipo-Tipo ( Tausūg: ''Lupah Tipo-Tipo''; Chavacano: ''Municipalidad de Tipo-Tipo''; tgl, Bayan ng Tipo-Tipo), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Basilan, Philippines. According to the 2020 ce ...
and Tuburan in Basilan, during a firefight as he was trying to escape. ** In the third military operation within two days, a DI-Maute Group sub-leader was killed in a gun battle between five militants and army soldiers in
Piagapo, Lanao del Sur Piagapo, officially the Municipality of Piagapo (Maranao: ''Inged a Piagapo''; tl, Bayan ng Piagapo), is a 4th class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 30,132 people. ...
. His relative was apprehended following the encounter. * 3 December – A bomb explosion occurred during a
church service A church service (or a service of worship) is a formalized period of Christian communal worship, often held in a church building. It often but not exclusively occurs on Sunday, or Saturday in the case of those churches practicing seventh-day Sa ...
in the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi, Lanao del Sur, killing at least four people and injuring 50 others. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. * 7 December – The Army's
6th Infantry Division 6th Division may refer to: Infantry divisions * 6th Division (Australia) * 6th Division (Austria) *6th (United Kingdom) Division * Finnish 6th Division (Winter War) *Finnish 6th Division (Continuation War) * 6th Division (Reichswehr) * 6th Divisi ...
launched offensives on the suspected lairs of the DI near the
Liguasan Marsh Liguasan Marsh is a marsh in the Mindanao River basin in the southern island of Mindanao, Philippines. The marsh covers an area of around spanning the provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat. of this area is reserved for a game ...
, along the
Maguindanao del Sur Maguindanao del Sur, officially the Province of Maguindanao del Sur ( mdh, Dairat nu Pagabagatan Magindanaw, Jawi:دايرت نو ڤاڬابڬتنن ماڬينداناو ), is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro ...
Cotabato Cotabato or North Cotabato ( hil, Aminhan Cotabato; ceb, Amihanang Cotabato; Maguindanaon: ''Pangutaran Kutawatu'', Jawi: ڤڠوترن كوتاواتو; fil, Hilagang Cotabato), officially the Province of Cotabato, is a landlocked province in ...
provincial boundaries, after reported sightings of the Hassan sub-group militants in
Datu Montawal Datu Montawal, officially the Municipality of Datu Montawal (Maguindanaon: ''Ingud nu Datu Montawal''; Iranun: ''Inged a Datu Montawal''; tl, Bayan ng Datu Montawal), is a 5th class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines ...
,
Pagalungan Pagalungan, officially the Municipality of Pagalungan ( Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Pagalungan''; Iranun: ''Inged a Pagalungan''; tl, Bayan ng Pagalungan), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, Bangsamoro, Philippines. ...
, and
Pikit Pikit, officially the Municipality of Pikit (Maguindanao language, Maguindanaon: ''Inged nu Pikit'', Jawi Alphabet, Jawi: ايڠايد نو ڤيكيت; Iranun language, Iranun: ''Inged a Pikit'', ايڠايد ا ڤيكيت; Hiligaynon language, H ...
. The attack targeted their enclaves in the northern parts of the marshland, beginning in Pagalungan, and later near Kabacan and M'lang; two lairs were bombed. Reported casualties among DI members included ten killed and ten wounded.


References

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