MAMASAPANO, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — An armed clash broke out in Barangay Sapakan on Friday, August 1, after an alleged elopement between the daughter of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander and the sibling of a barangay chairman escalated long-standing tensions between their families.
According to the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) of the Philippine Army, the firefight began around 1:35 p.m. between the group of Sukor Guiamalon, a member of the 106th Base Command of the MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), and the group of Barangay Chairman Mohamad Tatak of Sapakan.
Initial reports indicate that the two camps have had a long-standing feud, which intensified after Guiamalon’s daughter and Tatak’s sibling allegedly ran away together — an act both families reportedly opposed.
The firefight lasted for nearly two hours and caused alarm among residents. The exchange of gunfire also disrupted traffic, as travelers along the nearby highway were forced to stop amid the tension.
The 33rd Infantry Battalion and local officials immediately intervened, and by 3:00 p.m., the situation was brought under control. No injuries or casualties were reported.
On Saturday, August 2, both the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office and the 6ID confirmed that the personal dispute had been resolved. Lieutenant Colonel Legada, commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, stated that the two parties have since reconciled and agreed to formalize the union of the couple through marriage.
What began as a personal matter nearly turned violent for the community — highlighting the need for peaceful dialogue and conflict resolution to prevent small disputes from escalating into armed confrontations.