TUGUNAN, Special Geographic Area (SGA-BARMM) — Military and police forces have intensified security operations in the municipality of Tugunan following a series of violent incidents that forced dozens of residents to flee their homes amid fears of escalating armed conflict in the area.
Authorities from the 602nd Infantry Brigade and the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) were deployed to Barangay Manaulanen and nearby communities after an armed confrontation between rival groups erupted in Sitio Gawang on Friday afternoon, June 12.
The latest violence came amid reports of a string of killings and security disturbances in the Balong area of Tugunan, prompting government forces to launch legitimate military operations against members of armed lawless groups (ALGs) operating within the municipality.
Residents of Sitio Gawang were forced to evacuate after gunfire erupted at around 1 p.m., shattering the relative calm of the community shortly after worshippers had concluded the Salah al-Jumu’ah (Friday congregational prayer).
Norodin “Mando” Dalamba, an official of Barangay Manaulanen, said residents were caught off guard by the sudden exchange of gunfire.
“We had just come from the Friday prayer when we were startled by successive gunshots,” Dalamba said, recalling the panic that swept through the village.
Fearing for their safety, families hurriedly gathered their belongings and sought refuge in safer areas, including Sitio Blah and the covered court of Mahad Shemaley. Witnesses described scenes of residents carrying essential items as they fled the area while the sound of gunfire echoed through nearby communities.
The violence created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents, many of whom remain concerned about the possibility of renewed clashes.
In response, the 602nd Infantry Brigade, in coordination with PRO-BARMM, immediately launched security, monitoring, and clearing operations aimed at preventing further violence, securing affected communities, and identifying those responsible for the disturbance.
Military officials said the ongoing operations are intended to ensure public safety, maintain peace and order, and neutralize threats posed by armed groups operating in the area.
As of Saturday, authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the groups involved in the confrontation, and the motive behind the clash remains under investigation.
The local government also moved swiftly to address the crisis. Tugunan Mayor Abdullah Abas personally visited Barangays Manaulanen and Balong together with military and police personnel to assess the situation and reassure affected residents.
According to local officials, tensions gradually subsided following the arrival of the mayor and security forces.
Dalamba noted that normalcy has begun to return to the area, although authorities continue to maintain a strong presence to prevent any resurgence of violence.
Security personnel remain stationed in key locations throughout Tugunan as authorities continue monitoring developments and gathering information related to the incident.
Officials are likewise coordinating with local government units and community leaders to provide assistance to displaced families and facilitate their eventual return once safety can be fully assured.
The military emphasized that it is exerting all efforts to restore stability in the municipality and urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities to authorities.
Despite the intensity of the confrontation and the resulting displacement of civilians, no official reports of fatalities or injuries have been released as of this writing. Verification and investigation efforts remain ongoing.
The incident underscores the continuing security challenges faced by some communities in the Special Geographic Area of BARMM, where authorities are working to contain armed violence and protect civilians from the threat posed by lawless armed groups.
As security operations continue, government forces have assured residents that every effort is being made to restore peace, maintain order, and ensure the safe return of families displaced by the unrest.