Group flags surge in violent extremism in Mindanao

A CONFLICT-MONITORING group has raised alarm over an alleged renewed surge in violent extremism in Mindanao, following an ambush that killed four soldiers in Lanao del Norte last week.

In a statement on Sunday, Climate Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) said the Jan. 23 attack in Barangay Lininding, Munai — allegedly carried out by the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) group — highlights an “escalating threat” in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and nearby areas.

“Four soldiers were on their way out of camp. Initially, some news outlets reported that they were on their way to market but later on, others reported that they were out on an outreach mission,” CCAA said.

“On their way out of camp, they were ambushed by Dawlah Islamiya, a violent extremist group,” the group added.

Citing data from its Critical Events Monitoring System, the group said violent extremism incidents rose by 91% to 44 cases in 2025 from 23 in 2024. CCAA said the increase includes armed encounters between DI fighters and state forces, arrests of individuals allegedly linked to DI financing and illegal drugs, and the recovery of high-powered weapons, including M16 rifles, grenade launchers, and improvised explosive devices.

The group said that extremist recruitment and operations remain active, particularly in Lanao and Maguindanao, and areas previously declared free of ISIS-linked groups.

“The future of the Bangsamoro peace process, and the safety of local communities, depend on comprehensive and rights-based responses to violent extremism,” CCAA said.

It also called on authorities and local stakeholders to coordinate closely on monitoring, reintegration, and community resilience programs to prevent further violence. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking