DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte (August 1, 2025) — A massive grassfire broke out anew Friday night on Mount Minandar, particularly in the area of Sitio Tinabon, Barangay Kusiong, threatening nearby communities and prompting calls for evacuation and assistance.
According to reports from residents and local authorities, the blaze started at the summit of the mountain and quickly spread to other areas, fueled by dry vegetation and localized winds. This follows an earlier fire on Wednesday night that was successfully contained with the help of barangay officials and community members.
The Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Kusiong has issued urgent calls for residents living at the foot of the mountain to evacuate to safer areas as a precaution. In a Facebook post, the BLGU also appealed for assistance from concerned agencies, fearing the fire might extend to adjacent mountains.
Personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Datu Odin Sinsuat, together with elements of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6, were immediately dispatched to nearby Teduray and Moro villages to monitor the situation and provide emergency response if needed.
So far, the origin of the fire remains unknown. Residents have noted that the flames appear to be intensifying, with thick smoke visible from surrounding areas.
Mount Minandar, considered one of the highest peaks in the municipality, is a well-known destination for local tourists from across Central Mindanao. Located along the coastal side of Datu Odin Sinsuat, the mountain offers scenic views of nearby towns and the Cotabato coastline. However, it is also prone to seasonal grassfires, especially during extended dry spells.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Mount Minandar holds deep historical and cultural significance for the Teduray and other Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Known in the Teduray language as Tudok Menandar, or “the moving mountain,” it is believed to have been a mystical site where ancient residents once heard mysterious sounds. During World War II, it served as a hideout for Japanese soldiers, and many reportedly perished in the area while in conflict with American forces—according to oral histories passed down by tribal elders, including the late Bebe Motadi.
As the fire continues to burn, authorities have advised the public—especially hikers and tourists—to avoid visiting affected areas for their safety. The BLGU Kusiong is also calling for disaster preparedness education and orientation among residents to reduce panic and promote proper responses during natural calamities such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and typhoons.
Local officials and community volunteers remain on high alert as firefighting efforts are underway to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of residents.