TUGUNAN, Special Geographic Area (SGA)–BARMM — Residents of Barangay Balong were jolted awake by bursts of gunfire early morning on January 7, 2026, after an armed encounter reportedly broke out between warring groups in what is believed to be another violent flare-up of rido or clan feud.
Based on initial information and a Facebook Live video posted by a resident, two groups—both identified as Moro—were seen engaging in a firefight within the community. Witnesses said one group allegedly harassed the area before the situation escalated into an armed confrontation.
As of this writing, authorities have yet to release official details regarding the cause of the clash, the identities of those involved, or whether there were casualties. However, the sudden eruption of violence has once again placed civilians in harm’s way and disrupted daily life in the barangay.
Fear, Disruption, and Loss of Livelihood
The incident has sown fear among residents, many of whom were preparing to head to work, farms, and markets when the shooting began. Several families reportedly stayed indoors, while others sought refuge in safer areas, worried that the violence could escalate.
Local residents said the clash has compromised their safety, interrupted livelihoods, and threatened the fragile peace in the community. Farmers were unable to tend their fields, and small vendors were forced to close their stalls as tension gripped the area.
“Every time rido erupts, it is the ordinary people who suffer—our children, our farmers, our workers,” one resident said in a message accompanying the live video. “We are tired of living in fear.”
Rido: A Recurring Threat to Peace
Rido remains a persistent problem in parts of BARMM, often rooted in long-standing family disputes, land issues, or political rivalries. While some cases are resolved through mediation, others spiral into armed violence, endangering entire communities.
Peace advocates warn that unresolved rido not only leads to loss of life but also undermines development, education, and economic stability, trapping communities in cycles of fear and poverty.
Call for Immediate Intervention
Community leaders and residents are now calling on local government units, traditional leaders, and security forces to immediately intervene, secure the area, and initiate dialogue between the feuding parties.
They also urged authorities to strengthen conflict mediation mechanisms and ensure that those responsible for endangering civilian lives are held accountable.
As investigations continue, residents of Barangay Balong remain on edge, hoping for swift action to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed in their community.