Islamist Insurgency
11 reports
BIFF-Hassan Faction Sub-leader Killed in Maguindanao del Norte Encounter
Joint police and military forces killed BIFF-Hassan faction sub-leader Yusa Ganoy during an October 16 operation in Maguindanao del Norte. While PSA Intelligence expects the loss to further degrade the group's operational capacity, retaliatory attacks against security personnel remain a risk.
Basilan Manhunt Continues After Two Ambushes Kill One Soldier and Wound 17 Others
Two separate ambushes against the Philippine Army in Basilan killed one soldier and wounded several others. Authorities attribute the attacks to a criminal syndicate retaliating for a police operation rather than a terrorist activity.
Joint AFP-PNP Operation Against BIFF Faction Kills At Least Six Militants in Tugunan, Special Geographic Area
Six suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in a joint security operation in Tugunan, Special Geographic Area. The military's use of close air support makes the encounter one of the most notable Islamist-related violent incidents in 2026.
Regional Gun Ban Marks Official Start of First Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections Period
Ahead of the September 2026 Bangsamoro elections, gun bans and security risks are active. Direct business risks remain low, but companies should maintain political neutrality, prohibit political events on premises, and avoid travel with candidates.
Leader of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters - Bungos Faction Killed During Arrest Operation
The July 5 killing of a Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters leader in Maguindanao del Norte weakens the group's operational capability, decreasing the likelihood of significant attacks and modestly improving the business security outlook in the Mindanao region.
Leadership Rift Worsens Within the Moro Islamic Liberation Front As Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua Is Suspended As Military Chief-of-Staff
The MILF suspended Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua as its military chief of staff, deepening internal divisions ahead of the 2026 elections. Observers warn the leadership rift could further delay the peace process and create uncertainty over regional security.
Philippines Annual Islamist Insurgency Report - 2026 Edition
PSA Intelligence's Philippines Annual Islamist Insurgency Report - 2026 Edition discusses identified trends in Islamist insurgent and terrorist activity in the Philippines in 2025, the capabilities of threat group remnants in 2026, and what these mean for organizations operating in high-risk areas.
10 Maute Members Killed, Arms Factory Raided in Lanao del Sur
Government operations in Lanao del Sur have significantly weakened the Maute Group. Following the raid of an arms factory and the deaths of ten militants, including an alleged leader, fewer than twenty active members remain, posing only a limited, localized threat.
Basilan Town Returns to Normalcy After October 28 Encounter
The security situation in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan has stabilized following a localized personal conflict. While normal business and government operations have resumed, the incident highlights the persistent risk of non-ideological violence that enterprises must monitor in the region.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front Wins Big in the 2025 Bangsamoro Local Elections
The United Bangsamoro Justice Party secured key local victories, strengthening its prospects for the October parliamentary elections. Enterprises must monitor this political consolidation, which enhances stability and governance predictability across the autonomous region.
Recommended Reading: ‘True mujahideen’: Where the Bangsamoro stands, 6 years in
Six years after the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, incomplete rebel decommissioning and weak infrastructure delay full stability. Enterprises must monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections for potential shifts in regional governance and security.