On Sunday, January 25, 2015, the area around Mamasapano was the site of a sharp clash between Philippines government armed forces and local rebel groups.

The unexpected clash, and the deaths of 44 SAF police as well as the wounding of 12 others, triggered bitter recriminations among leaders at the national level and threatened to derail on-going reconciliation negotiations between the Philippines Government and various rebel groups in Mindanao.

It was reported that members of both the MILF as well as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were involved in the action on the rebel side.

[7] Subsequently, it was reported that both the Philippines government and local MILF representatives were working to try to restore life to normal in the Mamasapano area.

Representatives of the Philippines government visited the area in early February to deliver assistance to families who had lost relatives during the fighting.