SHARIFF SAYDONA MUSTAPHA, Maguindanao del Sur — Hundreds of residents were once again forced to flee their homes after armed clashes erupted between two rival groups in Barangay Duguengen, prompting renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire as government authorities intensified security measures and humanitarian assistance for displaced families.
Videos circulating from the affected area showed families hurriedly evacuating their homes, carrying essential belongings as gunfire echoed across the community. The renewed violence has displaced residents from Barangay Duguengen and neighboring communities, forcing many to seek temporary shelter in evacuation centers.
According to Lt. Col. Ronald E. Suscano, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), the firefight occurred on July 12, 2026, in Sitio Sinigpit, Barangay Duguengen, involving members of the 128 Base Command led by Commanders Muslimin Amilil and Zainodin Kairo, and the 118 Base Command under Commanders Kahar and Samad Simpal.
Despite the exchange of gunfire, military authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported from either side. However, the incident triggered another wave of displacement among civilians fearful of being caught in the crossfire.
Local Leaders Appeal for Immediate Peace
In response to the escalating situation, Shariff Saydona Mustapha Mayor Datu Sajid Andrei S. Ampatuan and Vice Mayor Datu Andal Sajid S. Ampatuan VI appealed to the warring factions and concerned authorities to immediately end the hostilities and prioritize the safety of innocent civilians.
The local officials emphasized that prolonged armed conflict only deepens the suffering of residents, disrupts livelihoods, and threatens the peace and stability of surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Datu Akmad M. Ampatuan Sr. of Mamasapano disclosed that several peace efforts had already been undertaken to resolve the conflict with the assistance of Maguindanao del Sur Governor Datu KGE Ali Midtimbang, Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry (Unified) Brigade, and PBGen. Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro (PRO BAR).
Despite these mediation efforts, the conflict resurfaced, resulting in renewed violence and another round of civilian evacuations.
Security Tightened to Prevent Further Violence
To prevent the violence from spreading, the 34th Infantry Battalion, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Edgardo Batinay, established heightened security measures, including strict checkpoints in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano.
Military personnel continue to secure strategic areas while closely monitoring developments to ensure that the confrontation does not escalate further and to protect residents from additional threats.
Authorities have likewise maintained close surveillance of the conflict area while coordinating with local officials to preserve peace and order.
The Shariff Saydona Mustapha Municipal Police Station (MPS) also announced that it continues to intensify its law enforcement and security operations, including manhunt efforts against wanted persons, while encouraging the public to report suspicious activities through emergency hotline 911 or the nearest police station.
Humanitarian Response Mobilized
As displaced families sought refuge at the Municipal Gymnasium in Mamasapano, local government officials immediately launched relief operations to address their urgent needs.
Mayor Datu Akmad “Bhots” A. Ampatuan Jr. and Vice Mayor Datu Akmad M. Ampatuan Sr. personally visited the evacuation center to deliver assistance and assure evacuees of the local government’s continued support.
Food packs were distributed to families displaced by the armed conflict, including residents from Barangays Duguengen, Datu Kilay, and Linantangan.
Separately, on the evening of July 13, Mayor Datu Sajid Andrei S. Ampatuan and Vice Mayor Datu Andal Sajid S. Ampatuan VI led another relief effort at the Municipal Gymnasium, distributing 300 packs of pastil and bottled mineral water to internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Joining the distribution were Councilor Bai Zandria S. Ampatuan, Councilor Datu Sajid Islam S. Ampatuan Jr., and former Mayor Datu Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan, highlighting what local officials described as a unified response to assist families affected by the crisis.
According to the municipal government, the initiative aims to ensure that evacuees have immediate access to food and clean drinking water while they remain in temporary shelters awaiting improvements in the security situation.
Displaced residents expressed gratitude for the prompt response of the local government, saying the assistance has provided much-needed relief amid the uncertainty brought by the conflict.
Calls for Lasting Peace
Local officials continue to appeal for peaceful dialogue and an immediate resolution to the dispute to prevent further displacement and allow affected residents to safely return to their homes.
Authorities stressed that while humanitarian assistance continues, achieving a lasting settlement remains essential to ending the recurring violence and restoring normalcy in the affected communities of Shariff Saydona Mustapha and neighboring municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur.