MATALAM, Cotabato — A firefight broke out early Wednesday morning, April 15, between government troops and an unidentified armed group in two barangays here, reportedly triggered by a long-standing land dispute.
According to initial reports, elements of the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army engaged the still-unidentified armed group after the latter allegedly opened fire around 6:00 a.m. in Sitio Condring, Barangay Marbel. The area was reportedly being claimed by the group as their own.
The gunfire prompted an immediate response from government forces, resulting in a running gun battle that spread to nearby Barangay Kabulacan, reaching as far as Purok 6. Residents reported hearing successive bursts of gunfire as tensions escalated across the affected communities.
Barangay Marbel Chairman Guinaid Adam said the incident may be rooted in a protracted land conflict in the area, which authorities believe fueled the confrontation.
As of this writing, there are no confirmed reports of casualties or injuries from either side. However, the exchange of gunfire was reported to have continued for some time, prompting heightened security measures in the area.
Personnel from the Matalam Municipal Police Station immediately responded to secure the vicinity, ensure civilian safety, and prevent further escalation. Authorities have since intensified intelligence operations to identify the armed individuals involved and determine the full circumstances behind the clash.
Ceasefire mechanisms under the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), particularly the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), were also deployed to the area. The team, led by Site 1 officials Nor-ali Alamada and Dhen Pandita under the supervision of AHJAG head Anwar Alamada, coordinated with other peace bodies, including the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Mindanao Peacekeeping Operations System (MPOS-BARMM), to help contain the situation and prevent further violence.
Government forces remain on high alert in and around the affected barangays, maintaining close coordination with local officials and law enforcement units.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public that all necessary measures are being undertaken to restore peace and order. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activities to authorities.
Officials expressed hope that sustained coordination between the military, police, and peace mechanisms would lead to the swift de-escalation of tensions and prevent the displacement of civilians in the conflict-affected communities.