Pangdan-Pangdan, Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu — A violent confrontation between two members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) over a land dispute was brought under control yesterday after coordinated action by police, military, local officials and MNLF coordinators, authorities said.
The skirmish involved MNLF Coordinator Saikal and MNLF member Dixon Aplahal in Barangay Pangdan-Pangdan. Local and regional security and civil leaders moved quickly to defuse the situation and prevent further escalation.
Key figures who led the joint response included Board Member Sherhan Najar (2nd District, Sulu); Hji. Peping Halun, Municipal Administrator of Kalingalan Caluang; Punong Barangay Al-fauji Anta Kabirul of Pangdan-Pangdan; BGen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Brigade; LTC Ronald A. Borras, commanding officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion; PLTC Sabri Lakibul, commander of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion; and MNLF community leader Alih Zulkifli.
In a joint statement, the coordinating officials appealed for calm and urged residents across Lupah Sug not to resort to violence to settle land disputes. “No conflict over land can be resolved through violence,” the statement read. “Armed struggle will not determine true ownership — no one wins in such fights. Families, especially women and children, are the ones who suffer.”
Authorities said military and police personnel remain on the ground in Pangdan-Pangdan to mediate between the parties and to ensure the situation does not flare up again. Officials also vowed continued cooperation with the municipal government to protect residents and facilitate a peaceful, negotiated resolution.
“The land disagreement can and should be discussed calmly and peacefully,” the statement added, reminding communities that the era of conflict must not be revived. Local forces will continue to act as guarantors of peace and provide protection for affected families, it said.
As of this report, no further clashes have been reported and mediation efforts are ongoing. Local leaders promised updates as talks progress and urged anyone with information or concerns to coordinate with municipal authorities.