Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines – In a violent confrontation between two Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) factions in Barangay Kilangan, Pagalungan, 19 people were killed on Wednesday afternoon, October 30. This violent incident is the latest in a longstanding land dispute between the groups and has prompted the evacuation of civilians from the area due to safety concerns.
Courtesy of Rahib Bansao and Pikit News Update.
The clash involved the 108th and 105th Base Command under the leadership of Commander Engr. Alonto Sultan and a combined force from the 128th and 129th Base Commands led by Abdul Latip, also known as Ikot Akmad Dandua. According to the Pagalungan Municipal Police, the violence erupted when Dandua’s group fired upon Sultan’s forces, leading to an exchange of gunfire lasting several minutes.
Details of the Incident
The conflict reportedly began as Sultan’s group sought to claim land in Barangay Kilangan, which Sultan asserts has belonged to his family for generations and for which he claims legal title. Philippine Army soldiers initially escorted Sultan’s group to the contested land in an effort to deescalate tensions and facilitate negotiations between the two parties. However, after the military personnel left the area, gunfire broke out, resulting in the tragic death toll.
Reports indicate that 17 members from Sultan’s side were killed, along with two from Dandua’s forces. Several individuals were also wounded, although their identities and the extent of their injuries have not yet been confirmed. Many residents shared images and updates on social media, capturing the fear and displacement affecting civilians forced to flee their homes due to the hostilities.
A Long-Standing Land Conflict
The dispute over the land in Barangay Kilangan is reportedly rooted in historical land claims, with both parties claiming ancestral ownership. Sultan has asserted ownership through a registered land title, while Commander Bawsi, an ally of Dandua, contests this claim, stating that the land belongs to his own forebears. Previous negotiations in Pagalungan, mediated by Mayor Mamasabulod and the 602nd Brigade and 90th Infantry Battalion, had attempted to address the conflict but ultimately failed.
Military and Police Interventions
In response to the clash, the Pagalungan Municipal Police, in coordination with the Philippine Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion, established checkpoints to secure the area and prevent further violence. The local police also notified the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH) to encourage intervention and avoid a resurgence of fighting.
Evacuations and Civilian Impact
The intense exchange of gunfire has triggered widespread evacuations, with local residents seeking shelter in safer areas to avoid being caught in the crossfire. “People are very afraid, not knowing if they can safely return to their homes anytime soon,” shared one resident on social media. Authorities have advised civilians to remain in designated evacuation areas until the situation is fully under control.
Government and MILF Response
The Philippine military has committed to working with local officials to prevent further escalations, with Major General Antonio Nafarrete of the 6th Infantry Division stating that security forces are prioritizing civilian safety and the restoration of order in the area. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to facilitate dialogue between the warring groups and prevent any further loss of life.
The tragic deaths and ongoing evacuation highlight the need for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding land conflicts in the region.
