Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte – A detachment of the Philippine Army came under attack Tuesday evening after more than 15 heavily armed men launched a harassment assault against the 12th Mechanized Infantry Company stationed in Barangay Manggay, Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte, marking the third recorded attack targeting government security forces since the implementation of the Total Gun Ban in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ahead of the region’s first parliamentary elections.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the incident occurred at approximately 7:00 p.m. while soldiers were conducting routine perimeter security operations at the military detachment.
Initial investigation revealed that troops first noticed suspicious flashlight movements approximately 150 to 200 meters away from the detachment’s perimeter. Moments later, the unidentified armed men suddenly opened fire, prompting government forces to immediately return fire.
The exchange of gunfire lasted for nearly 20 minutes before the attackers disengaged and fled toward an undetermined direction.
Authorities confirmed that no soldier was reported killed or wounded during the encounter.
Joint pursuit and investigation operations were immediately launched by the military and the PNP to identify the attackers, determine their possible affiliations, and establish the motive behind the harassment attack.
The latest incident raises renewed security concerns as BARMM remains under a Total Gun Ban, a security measure imposed in preparation for the region’s historic parliamentary elections. The restriction aims to curb election-related violence, dismantle the presence of loose firearms, and maintain peace and order throughout the electoral period.
Despite the ongoing enforcement of the gun ban, the attack in Talitay now stands as the third documented assault against military forces since the security measure took effect, underscoring the continuing presence of armed groups capable of mounting coordinated attacks against government installations.
Security officials have repeatedly emphasized that election periods in parts of Central Mindanao have historically been accompanied by heightened security threats, prompting intensified military and police operations to prevent armed violence and protect both communities and government forces.
Authorities have yet to release information regarding the identities of the attackers or whether the incident is connected to election-related activities or the operations of local armed groups. Investigation and security operations in the area remain ongoing.