DATU ABDULLAH SANGKI, Maguindanao del Sur — Once a thriving community, Purok 7 in Barangay Kaya-Kaya has stood as a ghost town for nearly a year after relentless clashes between two feuding armed families forced more than 170 families to flee their homes. Until today, the area remains heavily guarded by military forces, its silence broken only by the presence of soldiers preventing further escalation of the long-running conflict.
Residents, many of whom have been staying in evacuation centers for almost two years, continue to fear returning home as tensions remain unresolved. The feud, reportedly rooted in political alliances, has left families in prolonged uncertainty and hardship.
MILF-AHJAG, Government Units Push for Safe Return
This week, members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front – Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (MILF-AHJAG), together with the Bangsamoro Peace Mechanism and law enforcement authorities, visited Purok 7 to assess the situation and explore steps toward safely restoring the community. The visit aims to pave the way for the eventual return of displaced civilians once peace between the warring groups is secured.
Officials assured evacuees that all efforts are being exerted to enable their safe return before the holy month of Ramadan.
1,500 Residents Show Support for Peace Initiative
Yesterday, more than 1,500 residents from Barangays Kaya-Kaya and Tuka na Lugong gathered in a major Advocacy on Normalization, Peace, and Security program held in Barangay Tukanalugong. The event was led by Commander Hadji Basser Ampat of the 9th Brigade, Inner Guard Base Command, National Guard Front BIAF-MILF.
Strong support poured in from various peace stakeholders, including representatives from MILF-AHJAG Team Site 1 led by Commander Nor-Ali Alamada under the supervision of MILF-AHJAG Chairman Anwar Alamada; officers from the 106th, 118th, and 105th Base Commands of the MILF; MNLF officials; and the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) represented by Army Lt. Col. Rey Sisican.
Respected ulama from the MILF Central Committee—Ustadz Abdulwahab Kawilan and Ustadz Abdulmaula Tahir—also delivered Islamic orientations reinforcing unity, peace, and community cooperation.
Normalization Efforts and Conditions for Return
During the program, Commander Nor-Ali Alamada provided key updates on the peace process and emphasized the importance of ensuring conditions on the ground are stable before displaced residents are allowed to return.
These measures include:
- Addressing the armed group responsible for the displacement
- Coordinating with the Provincial Government under Governor Datu Ali Midtimbang
- Ensuring that mechanisms for long-term security and normalization are firmly in place
The ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was also highlighted as a cornerstone for governance and long-term peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Hope for a Peaceful Homecoming
Despite nearly two years of displacement, residents remain hopeful. Community leaders believe that the strengthened cooperation among stakeholders—from the MILF and MNLF to local government units and security forces—marks a vital step toward a stable and lasting peace.
Yesterday’s gathering concluded with a unified commitment to uphold peace agreements, continue normalization efforts, and help restore normalcy in communities affected by the conflict.
For the hundreds of families who have endured uncertainty for far too long, these peace efforts may finally signal the beginning of their journey back home—and toward a safer, more peaceful future in Datu Abdullah Sangki.