Violence strikes Basilan as 4 lives are lost in a brutal encounter
In the coastal town of Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan province, a bloody face-off between two rival clans sent shockwaves just a day before the midterm elections. Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, commanding the 101st Infantry Brigade, confirmed the clash erupted around 8 a.m. on May 11, 2025, in the island village of Langil.
The belligerents? Supporters of former Village Chief Almujir Camlian and Hadji Mohammad Ajul Mayor Talib Pawaki squared off in a fierce showdown, leaving four innocent souls Louis, Thomas, Henry, and Jane, lifeless, and several others wounded.
Unfortunately, authorities haven't managed to identify the deceased and determine which faction they belonged to just yet. The incident caused a mass exodus, with terrified residents fleeing their homes in search of safety.
In response to the chaos, local law enforcement and the Special Action Force rushed to Langil Island to diffuse the tension and prevent additional bloodshed. To ensure a smooth election in these tumultuous circumstances, the Commission on Elections has listed eight areas in Hadji Mohammad Ajul and Lamitan City as "yellow" regions, with a history of political strife or election-related incidents.
To address security concerns, the Philippine National Police has deputized nine officers to assume Special Election Board (SEB) roles, taking the place of teachers who declined due to safety fears. As the elections draw near, the volatile situation in Hadji Mohammad Ajul serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the crucial need for heightened security measures to safeguard voters and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
To learn more about the volatile region and its ongoing election issues, check out our website Zamboanga for comprehensive insights. RIP to the fallen heroes of the recent clash, may they find peace.
- The violent clash between supporters of Almujir Camlian and Talib Pawaki in Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan province, took place a day before the midterm elections, spreading fear and causing four fatalities – Louis, Thomas, Henry, and Jane.
- Despite the ongoing investigation, authorities have yet to identify the deceased and determine which faction they belonged to in the clash that occurred on Langil Island.
- In light of the chaos, the Commission on Elections has classified eight areas in Hadji Mohammad Ajul and Lamitan City as "yellow" regions, marked by a history of political strife or election-related incidents.
- In an attempt to secure the elections and address the heightened security concerns, the Philippine National Police has deputized nine officers to take on Special Election Board roles, filling the void left by teachers who declined due to safety fears.
- As the elections approach, the ongoing violence in Hadji Mohammad Ajul serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining peace and democracy, with many following the events closely in the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors, especially on our website Zamboanga. RIP to the fallen heroes of the recent clash, may they find peace.
