Insights

Several dead and many more injured in shoot out between criminal gang and security forces

At least four police officers and one gang member have been killed, with three more police officers being injured, in a ferocious shoot out with a criminal gang in Kalinga, Cordilleras region, Luzon. It is not yet immediately clear whether other gang members were involved in the shoot-out. Filipino security forces regularly engage in violent clashes with criminal elements, in a bid to rid them from the country.

Those operating or residing in the Philippines are advised to be aware that the authorities and vigilantes have stepped up anti-narcotics raids after Duterte’ s pledge to eradicate crime. Avoid travelling on foot alone after dark. Leave the vicinity if tensions begin to escalate and remain vigilant.