Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur — In a significant breakthrough for peace and security in Central Mindanao, rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) factions in Shariff Aguak have voluntarily surrendered nine high-powered firearms, signaling a firm commitment to end a long-running rido (clan feud) that had repeatedly erupted into armed violence.
The turnover took place at around 11:00 a.m. on December 15, 2025, following sustained dialogue and negotiations led by the 601st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), in coordination with the 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB), 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB), the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), and local government units. The conflict involved the group of Maki Dumpao, Battalion Commander of the 118th Base Command, and the group of Datu Baks “Sangki” Kindo alias Tuwabak, Deputy Brigade Commander of the same MILF unit, both operating in Barangay Timbangan, Shariff Aguak.
According to military officials, the two groups had been locked in recurring confrontations that escalated into armed clashes despite earlier peace agreements. Under previous accords, any renewed hostilities would require the surrender of firearms or trigger government military operations. Tensions flared anew following an armed encounter on December 10, prompting intensified mediation efforts that ultimately led to the voluntary disarmament.
The surrendered weapons were formally presented to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, in the presence of Lt. Col. Germen T. Legada, Commanding Officer of the 33IB, and Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, Commanding Officer of the 90IB, during a ceremony at the 90IB Headquarters in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. The cache included two Caliber .50 Barrett sniper rifles, M14 rifles, M16A1 rifles, Bushmaster rifles, and an improvised Caliber .30 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), along with related war materiel.
Military officials described the surrender as a concrete and unprecedented gesture of reconciliation, underscoring both sides’ resolve to abandon violence. As part of the renewed agreement, the factions explicitly renounced armed conflict and accepted strict consequences for any violations, including the imposition of zoning measures and legitimate military operations within the 601st Brigade’s area of responsibility.
“This voluntary surrender of firearms is not merely symbolic—it is a serious and binding commitment,” BGen. Catu said in his message. “Our only objective is to preserve peace in the community. We will not hesitate to enforce the law against any group that threatens stability and security.”
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Commander of the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, commended the troops of the 601st Brigade, 33IB, and 90IB for their decisive and measured approach to conflict resolution. He also lauded the two MILF groups for choosing unity over violence, stressing that peace must take precedence over armed confrontation. Gen. Cagara urged continued support for the government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program to curb the proliferation of loose firearms and prevent future conflicts.
The successful disarmament marks a hopeful step toward lasting peace in Maguindanao del Sur, demonstrating that sustained dialogue, firm enforcement of agreements, and community cooperation can break cycles of violence that have long plagued conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.