Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur – A total of 17 firearms were confiscated from 17 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following an armed clash between two rival groups in Sitio Damabago, Barangay Mileb, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur. The skirmish occurred at approximately 6:00 AM on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
According to 6th Infantry Division Spokesperson Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, the conflict involved two factions of the MILF’s 105th Base Command—one led by Kumander Marato Felmin and the other by Kumander Baguindali Felmin. The two leaders, who are reportedly relatives, have had a longstanding dispute despite previous mediation efforts by the 33rd Infantry Battalion.
No casualties were reported in the firefight; however, around 50 families from Sitio Damabago were forced to evacuate to Sitio Proper in Barangay Barurao, Sultan Sa Barongis, to seek safety.
The confiscated firearms are now under the custody of the 33rd Infantry Battalion. Meanwhile, the 17 individuals initially detained have been released and allowed to return to their communities after intervention by the MILF-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH). To prevent further violence, a military platoon has been deployed near the site of the encounter.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
