Tension gripped a remote village in Maguindanao del Sur during the Holy Month of Ramadan after armed clashes erupted between two rival commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), leaving at least four fighters wounded and forcing residents to live in fear for several days.
The firefight broke out around 12:30 p.m. on March 4 in Barangay Linantangan, a community in the municipality of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, according to military and police officials.
Authorities said the confrontation involved the groups of Kagi Gani Adam, brigade commander of the MILF’s 118th Base Command under the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), and Zainodin Kairo, field commander of the 128th Base Command.
Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, confirmed that two members from each side were wounded during the exchange of gunfire.
According to Suscano, the violence was triggered by a personal grudge between the two commanders, rather than a broader organizational conflict.
“The confrontation resulted in injuries to four individuals, two from each group. The situation has since calmed down, but the military continues to monitor the area closely to prevent further escalation,” Suscano said.
Fear and Disruption Among Residents
The clashes occurred during Ramadan, a sacred period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims, making the violence particularly disturbing for residents in the predominantly Muslim community.
For several days prior to the latest firefight, the two groups reportedly engaged in intermittent clashes, creating panic among villagers in Barangay Linantangan.
Residents said the repeated gunfire forced many families to remain inside their homes for safety, while others temporarily fled the area. Daily activities, including farming and small trade, were disrupted as the community grappled with uncertainty and fear.
The renewed violence highlighted the fragile security situation in some parts of Maguindanao del Sur, despite ongoing peace efforts in the Bangsamoro region.
Authorities Step In
In response to the escalating tension, Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Director Sultan Salman Sapal personally visited the conflict area on March 5.
Sapal was joined by personnel from the Philippine Army, local government officials, barangay leaders, and community elders in an effort to mediate and assess the situation on the ground.
The visit formed part of coordinated efforts by security forces and local leaders to prevent further violence and find a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
Officials also conducted dialogue with community representatives to better understand the root cause of the conflict and identify measures that could stop the feud from reigniting.
Situation Now Under Control
Military officials said the situation in Barangay Linantangan has since stabilized, and no new clashes have been reported following the intervention of authorities.
However, security forces remain on alert and continue monitoring the area to ensure that tensions between the rival groups do not flare up again.
For residents of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, the hope is that the mediation efforts will finally end the cycle of violence that disrupted their community during what should have been a solemn and peaceful observance of Ramadan.
Community leaders said the people’s greatest wish is simple: to return to normal life without fear and to see lasting peace restored in their village.