MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao del Sur — Tensions flared anew on Wednesday morning after an armed encounter broke out between two rival families in Sitio Manggapang, Barangay Manungkaling, here, despite earlier peace efforts aimed at ending their long-standing feud.
The clash erupted at around 10:00 a.m. and involved members of the Anwari Gayanandang clan and the Diya clan, authorities said. Witnesses reported hearing bursts of gunfire from high-powered firearms as the opposing groups exchanged shots in a nearby agricultural area, causing alarm among residents.
According to Capt. Steffi Salanguit, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police – BARMM, no fatalities or injuries were recorded during the incident, despite the intensity of the firefight.
“Fortunately, there were no reported casualties. Our personnel immediately responded and implemented security measures to prevent further escalation,” Salanguit said.
Previous Peace Pact Violated
Police revealed that the two clans had earlier been brought together under a “rido settlement” facilitated by the local government unit (LGU), security forces, and peace partners. The agreement was intended to resolve their dispute and prevent future violence.
However, authorities said both parties allegedly violated the terms of their earlier commitment, leading to the renewed hostilities.
“The families were previously reconciled in the presence of the LGU, military, and police. Unfortunately, their agreement was not honored, resulting in another armed confrontation,” Salanguit added.
Rido, or clan feuding, remains a persistent challenge in parts of Mindanao, often fueled by land disputes, political rivalry, or personal grievances, and has repeatedly disrupted peace and development efforts in rural communities.
Heightened Security Measures
In response to the incident, the Mamasapano Municipal Police Station immediately imposed checkpoint operations and intensified monitoring in strategic areas to prevent the spread of violence and the movement of armed individuals.
The police are working closely with the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST), the local government, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to maintain stability in the area.
Authorities said additional personnel have been deployed to barangays considered vulnerable to retaliatory attacks, while patrols have been increased to reassure residents and deter further armed actions.
Call for Dialogue and Cooperation
Local officials and security forces reiterated their call for both families to return to the negotiating table and resolve their differences peacefully.
“We strongly urge the concerned clans to respect existing peace mechanisms and cooperate with authorities. Violence only puts innocent lives at risk and undermines the progress of the community,” a police official said.
Community leaders also appealed to residents to remain calm and to immediately report suspicious activities or the presence of armed individuals.
Ongoing Investigation
The PNP-BARMM said it is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the latest clash and to identify individuals who may be held accountable for violating firearms and public safety laws.
Authorities are also considering the reactivation of mediation efforts involving elders, religious leaders, and peace advocates to prevent further bloodshed.
As of press time, security forces remain on heightened alert in Barangay Manungkaling and nearby areas, while peace partners continue efforts to ensure that the incident does not trigger wider conflict in Mamasapano and neighboring communities.
Residents, meanwhile, expressed hope that lasting peace will prevail, stressing that repeated clan violence only hampers livelihood, education, and development in the conflict-prone municipality.