NABALAWAG, Special Geographic Area, BARMM — Authorities seized multiple high-powered firearms and assorted ammunition during a hot pursuit and clearing operation conducted in Nabalawag, Special Geographic Area (SGA), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following a shooting incident in Barangay Olandang on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
The operation was jointly carried out by personnel of the Nabalawag Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the 33rd Infantry Battalion of the 6th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). It was launched immediately after reports of gunfire were received from the area earlier in the day.
According to police reports, the operation focused on two groups believed to be involved in the shooting incident: the Tayuan group from Barangay Kudarangan and the Abdultayan Sandigan group. Authorities said the groups were allegedly engaged in an armed confrontation that disrupted public order and endangered residents.
The joint law enforcement team was led by Police Colonel George D. Bagundol Jr., Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (MDN PPO), with Police Captain Felmor G. Estosane, Assistant Team Leader of the Nabalawag MPS, and troops of the 33rd Infantry Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel German T. Legada.
During the operation, authorities reported that unidentified individuals fired high-powered weapons toward Barangay Olandang, prompting security forces to intensify their pursuit and clearing efforts to prevent further violence and protect civilians.
A subsequent clearing operation in Barangay Kudarangan led to the recovery of several high-powered firearms, including one Baby 60 rifle, two M4 rifles, one Garand .30-caliber rifle, two M14 rifles, and five M16 A1 rifles. Various types of ammunition compatible with the seized weapons were also confiscated.
Police said the firearms were found abandoned in the area, suggesting that the suspects fled upon sensing the presence of government forces. The seized weapons have been secured and turned over for proper documentation and ballistic examination.
Authorities emphasized that the recovery of these firearms is a significant step in preventing further armed violence and maintaining peace and order in the area, particularly amid ongoing efforts to stabilize communities in the Special Geographic Area.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies continue to conduct an in-depth investigation to identify the individuals involved in the shooting and determine possible links to other criminal or armed group activities. Manhunt operations are also underway to arrest the suspects and hold them accountable under existing firearms and criminal laws.
Police and military officials urged residents to remain vigilant and to cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities, assuring the public that intensified security operations will continue to ensure the safety and security of communities in Nabalawag and neighboring areas.