Three Filipino communist insurgents killed; reelected Mindanao town official shot dead
And more in this latest weekly Southeast Asia armed conflict summary (26 May-1 June 2025).
Southeast Asia faced persistent threats from insurgency, terrorism, and geopolitical tensions, even as governments intensified counter-extremism efforts and pursued peacebuilding and regional cooperation.
Tensions flared along the Thai-Cambodian border as troops exchanged fire in an undemarcated area, prompting a meeting between the two countries’ army chiefs to prevent further escalation. In Thailand’s Deep South, the army chief ordered stronger protection for civilians amid ongoing separatist unrest. A rights group urged insurgents to uphold their pledge and international obligations by refraining from attacks on civilians. Meanwhile, authorities denied any link between an illegal firearms operation at a military base and the insurgency. Thailand and Indonesia also took part in a Europol-led conference addressing online extremism.
In the Philippines, security forces continued to make gains against communist rebels and Islamist militants. Several communist fighters were killed, captured, or surrendered in regions including Bicol, Masbate, Bukidnon, Samar, and Davao. The military reported that 491 insurgents and supporters had been neutralised since January. Dozens of former Abu Sayyaf members received livelihood assistance or housing support, and two Abu Sayyaf militants were arrested in Metro Manila after over two decades in hiding. Nine IS-linked fighters surrendered in Maguindanao del Sur, while an insurgency-free status was celebrated in one Mindanao town. Preparations were underway for securing the BARMM parliamentary elections, and officials called for stronger laws to counter extremist recruitment. However, debate arose over a proposal to criminalise red-tagging. Regionally, the Philippines expressed concern over China’s military presence near contested South China Sea features, prompting President Marcos to push for a code of conduct. Separately, Filipinos were among 15 Asians jailed in Nigeria for cyberterrorism and internet fraud.
In Myanmar, conflict intensified as a junta airstrike killed at least 10 people at a wedding in Kyaukkyi, while resistance forces captured a military outpost in Karen State. Regime forces also advanced toward Chin areas amid growing fighting. The junta extended its unilateral ceasefire until 30 June, though a rights group accused Asean-based companies…