October 31, 2024 | Camp Siongco, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – A tense confrontation between two Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) factions has reportedly subsided after the intervention of the 90th Infantry (Bigkis-Lahi) Battalion in Sitio BPI, Barangay Kilangan, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur, on Monday afternoon.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Rowel Gavilanes, commander of the 90IB, military troops were deployed to ensure the safety of residents in the area. The confrontation involved the 105th MILF Base Command, led by Engr. Alonto Sultan, clashing with the 128th and 129th MILF Base Commands, under Ikot Akmad.
The skirmish resulted in 14 fatalities and five injuries. In the security operations, military personnel also seized a cache of firearms, including four M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, various magazines, and assorted ammunition. These seized weapons are now undergoing investigation at the 90IB headquarters.
The conflict reportedly stemmed from a land dispute—a longstanding issue that the military and local government agencies have been working to mediate.
Thanks to the efforts of the military, police, and other security forces, as well as the Government of the Philippines-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (GPH-CCCH), tensions have de-escalated, restoring a sense of calm within the community. However, at least 30 families were temporarily displaced, fearing the possibility of being caught in the crossfire.
Lt. Col. Gavilanes continues to coordinate with members of the MILF Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (MILF-AHJAG) to prevent future clashes.
Major General Antonio G. Nafarrete, commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, reported that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has filed an official complaint with the GPH-CCCH regarding peace agreement violations by the 105th, 128th, and 129th MILF Base Commands. Maj. Gen. Nafarrete emphasized that the military will take necessary action if hostilities continue, particularly if they endanger civilian lives.
The 6ID/JTFC Commander further urged the immediate continuation of the decommissioning process for the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), highlighting the need to address intra-BIAF conflicts fueled by land disputes.
“We have seen this pattern of clashes over the past months,” said the Division Commander. “We are not facing confrontations between the MILF and other armed groups. Meanwhile, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) is supporting the SALW (Small Arms and Light Weapons) program, aimed at collecting loose firearms and managing Private Armed Groups, with local government support. I call on MILF members to advance the decommissioning process as the AFP and PNP are committed to ensuring BIAF’s community security.”
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges in the Bangsamoro region’s peace process and the critical need for sustainable conflict resolution efforts.
