Fourteen individuals were killed, and five others were injured in a clash between factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur, clarified Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division.
Authorities reported the conflict stemmed from a longstanding dispute over more than 280 hectares of land, involving MILF’s 105th Base Command, led by Engr. Alonto Sultan, against the 128th and 129th Base Commands, led by Commander Ikot Akmad.
This clash marks the latest escalation in a protracted feud between Sultan’s group and Commander Akmad’s forces.
Military personnel seized several high-powered firearms during security operations, including four M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, various magazines, and ammunition.
The military, police, and Government of the Philippines-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (GPH-CCCH) have since calmed tensions, restoring security to the area.
Approximately 30 families initially evacuated out of fear of being caught in the crossfire, though many have since returned, according to Lt. Col. Orbon.
Maj. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, stated that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has filed a complaint with the GPH-CCCH over alleged ceasefire violations by the 105th, 128th, and 129th MILF Base Commands.
Nafarrete added that the military remains prepared to respond if further violence threatens civilian safety.
The commander emphasized the need to advance the final phase of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces’ (BIAF) decommissioning process to address internal BIAF conflicts linked to clan feuds.