KADAYANGAN, Special Geographic Area (SGA)-BARMM — Terror gripped residents of Purok 4 in Barangay Central Labas, Kadayangan after unidentified armed men opened fire on at least five houses on the evening of May 27, sending families scrambling for safety while preparing dinner inside their homes.
According to police reports, the shooting erupted at around 7:05 p.m. while residents were reportedly cooking and gathering with their families for supper. Without warning, successive gunshots rang out from the northeastern side of the community, with bullets striking several houses and causing panic across the area.
Authorities identified the owners of the damaged houses as Barangay Kagawad Rasul Masukat, Esmail Tulalang, Abduladzis Kamsa, Diamond Masukat, and Bukari Sanang — all residents of Barangay Central Labas.
A concerned citizen immediately alerted authorities following the attack, prompting police personnel to rush to the scene to conduct verification and an initial investigation.
Investigators said the victims and their families were peacefully inside their homes when the armed suspects allegedly unleashed gunfire toward the residential area. Several portions of the houses sustained bullet damage, forcing terrified residents to run for cover.
Despite the intensity of the attack, authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded. However, the incident left deep fear and trauma among residents, especially children and elderly civilians who witnessed the terrifying gunfire.
Videos and photos circulating online showed an almost deserted community moments after the shooting, with continuous gunshots reportedly echoing through the area. In one video reportedly captured by resident Hasrie Dawaling, the sound of repeated gunfire could be heard as residents stayed out of sight in fear for their lives.
By the following day, several families were seen evacuating the area while carrying bags, important belongings, and valuables, fearing another outbreak of violence. Residents said the situation became even more alarming following reports that the gunfire may have stemmed from clashes between two rival armed groups operating in the area.
The local police, together with the 33rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and RMFB 1405th, have launched follow-up operations to identify the perpetrators and prevent further violence in the community.
Authorities are also investigating the motive behind the attack, as well as the total cost of damage to the affected homes.
Residents, meanwhile, are calling on government forces to intensify security operations and restore peace in the area as fear continues to haunt families displaced by the violence.
The latest incident once again highlights the fragile peace and security situation in some parts of the Special Geographic Area in BARMM, where civilians often become caught in the middle of armed conflicts and retaliatory violence.
As investigations continue, displaced residents remain uncertain about when they can safely return to their homes.