IDPPAR no. 03, Armed encounter in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur (AFP vs. Alleged ISIS-Inspired group) Issue no. 01
INCIDENT BACKGROUND
On 15 February 2020 at around 0900H, a firefight transpired between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and members of alleged ISIS-inspired group in Barangay Dado of the municipality of Balindong (Watu) and Barangay Tapocan of the municipality of Piagapo, both of Lanao del Sur province. The incident caused the displacement of residents from Purok Kalisyan, Barangay Tapocan to Purok Tagoloan-3 and Lagpan in the same barangay (Tapocan) in Piagapo. Meanwhile, there was no reported displacement from Barangay Dado, Balindong (Watu). According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Officer (MDRRMO) Haron T. Manalocon, there was a report one (1) casualty from the military but no official confirmation from the AFP.
CURRENT SITUATION
As of 18 February 2020, 55 displaced families from Purok Kalisyan are being hosted by relatives in Purok Tagoloan-3 and Lagpan in Barangay Tapocan, Piagapo. The local Government Unit of Piagapo through the MDRRMO distributed family food packs and medical assistance on February 15, 2020. However, as of reporting time, the MDRRMO is not able to access the IDPs due to security concerns. The area of displacement has weak to no available mobile network signal.
