Government troops quickly managed the tension between two leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and prevented the conflict from spreading after the military, police, and Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH) intervened in Brgy Lumitan, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat on August 15 of this year.
This was announced by Brigadier General Michael A. Santos, Commander of the 603rd Brigade, after a clash erupted between Esmael Mike Binago alias Bonde, leader of the 13th Biwang Brigade of the MILF, and Abu Abdullah, commander of the 104th Brigade of the same organization, due to a land conflict issue.
In a dialogue called by Hon. Joenime Badrudin Kapina, mayor of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, along with Brig. Gen. Santos, police, MILF-CCCH, and other government branches focused on security, it was agreed to present the armed men and lay down their weapons to end the conflict in the area.
Among the surrendered items were: one Heavy Machine Gun Cal.50mm Rifle; twelve M14 Rifles (7 with scope); nine M16A1 Rifles; five M4 Carbine Rifles; nine RPG Launchers; four Cal.50 Barrett (Big); three Cal.50 Barrett (small); two M653 Rifles; two Cal.30mm Garand Rifles; one Carbine Cal.30mm Rifle; one M16A1 Rifle; one Upper Receiver of M16A1; one Ultimax; one Tube 60mm Mortar, various types of ammunition, magazines, and two Blasting Caps.
Along with the presentation of 53 firearms was the surrender of 48 men from Binago’s 13th Biwang Brigade of the MILF to the units of the 37IB, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, and 64th Division Reconnaissance Company (64DRC). This resulted in the de-escalation of the conflict and the return of displaced residents to their homes.
In this regard, Major General Antonio G. Nafarrete, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, assured that the military troops are ready to protect the citizens against groups that aim to disrupt the peace in their community. “Any conflict can be resolved if both parties agree to peace talks. I hope that peace and tranquility will progress in our area,” the Division Commander stated.
