CAMP LUCERO, Carmen, Cotabato — Government security forces recovered several high-powered firearms following a joint law enforcement operation launched in response to a series of armed confrontations that displaced hundreds of civilians and left one person dead in communities along the border of Cotabato and the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and personnel of the Philippine National Police, together with other government agencies, conducted a Joint Law Enforcement Support Operation (LESO) on March 6, 2026, aimed at addressing escalating tensions between armed groups in Barangay Lomopog in Midsayap, Cotabato and Barangay Nabalawag in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM).
The operation was carried out after a series of armed encounters were reported in the affected communities over the past two days, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes for safety. Authorities confirmed that at least five individuals were wounded during the clashes, while a 19-year-old female vendor was killed in the crossfire.
Security forces said the clashes were linked to an ongoing community conflict involving armed groups operating in the area.
To de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence, troops from the 602nd Infantry “Liberator” Brigade and the 33rd Infantry Battalion coordinated closely with peace mechanisms of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, including the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG). The effort was also supported by local government leaders and other concerned agencies.
Through these coordinated efforts, authorities were able to facilitate a settlement activity aimed at resolving the dispute and restoring peace in the conflict-affected communities.
Earlier, on March 5, authorities recorded another armed confrontation near Barangay Kadigasan in Nabalawag, SGA-BARMM and Barangay Lomopog in Midsayap. In response, the Philippine National Police through the Midsayap Municipal Police Station, backed by troops from the 602nd Infantry Brigade, launched the joint law enforcement operation on March 6 to serve existing warrants of arrest against personalities allegedly involved in the clashes.
However, while government forces were conducting the operation, armed men inside a residential compound allegedly opened fire on the responding troops, triggering a brief firefight.
Following the encounter, government forces conducted clearing operations that led to the recovery of 13 high-powered firearms believed to have been used by the armed groups involved in the conflict.
Among the weapons seized were several M14 rifles, M16 rifles, an M4 rifle, a Garand rifle, a K3 machine gun, and an 81mm mortar, along with rifle grenade rounds and hand fragmentation grenades. Authorities also recovered bandoliers, magazines, and various types of ammunition and explosives.
Security forces said coordination with local governments, peace mechanisms, and relevant agencies is ongoing to ensure the safety of civilians and support a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
Authorities are also maintaining a heightened security presence in the area while closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
Brigadier General Ricky P. Bunayog, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized the importance of cooperation among security forces, peace mechanisms, and local leaders in maintaining stability in the region.
“Government troops continue to work closely with the Philippine National Police, the peace mechanisms of the MILF, and local government units to ensure the safety and security of our communities,” Bunayog said.
“These operations are part of our mandate to support law enforcement and ensure that innocent civilians are protected. We also urge all parties to prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolution of any conflict,” he added.
Authorities said efforts are underway to assist displaced residents and stabilize the situation in the affected communities as peace initiatives continue.