SHARIFF SAYDONA MUSTAPHA, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — A peace intervention in Barangay Linantangan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, resulted in the formal settlement of an armed dispute between two groups, with both sides signing a ceasefire agreement aimed at preventing renewed hostilities.
The peace intervention was held on August 30, 2026, at the Linantangan TPB in Barangay Linantangan as military, police, and Bangsamoro peace stakeholders brought the parties together for dialogue and negotiation.
The intervention was led by Lt. Col. Wellard S. Maquida, commanding officer of the 34th Infantry “Reliable” Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, and Lt. Col. Erwin E. Felongco, commanding officer of the 38th Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
They were joined by representatives of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH), the PSRO-BARMM Office of the Chief Minister, Provincial Reunification Council–Technical Working Group Chairperson Ansari Manan, and Police Capt. Yasher T. Hadjirulla, chief of the Shariff Saydona Mustapha Municipal Police Station.
The dialogue brought together representatives of two MILF groups involved in the dispute.
Representing the 128th Base Command were Benjamin Daunor, battalion commander, and Zainudin Kiaro, brigade commander of the 128th Base Command, MILF/Intermediate Base Command.
The other side was represented by Kagui Gani Adam, brigade commander of the 118th Base Command, MILF, and Tohamie Momalintaw, battalion commander of the 118th Base Command, MILF.
During the dialogue, the parties were given an opportunity to openly express their concerns, grievances, and proposals in an effort to resolve their differences and prevent further violence.
The intervention resulted in the formal signing of a Memorandum of Ceasefire Agreement, signifying the parties’ commitment to stop hostilities and avoid actions that could reignite the conflict.
Among the provisions of the agreement is the surrender to authorities of firearms that had been used as instruments of violence should the dispute recur.
The provision seeks to prevent firearms from being used again in the escalation of the conflict and reinforces the importance of resolving future disagreements through dialogue and established peace mechanisms.
The settlement also underscored the potential of direct communication in addressing armed disputes within communities where rivalries and tensions can quickly escalate into violence.
Peace facilitators stressed that armed confrontation cannot provide a lasting solution to disagreements. Instead, violence can intensify existing divisions and place combatants, their families, and the broader community at risk.
The consequences of armed clashes can extend well beyond the parties directly involved, potentially disrupting the safety and livelihood of residents and undermining efforts to establish lasting peace and development.
The ceasefire agreement therefore provides the parties with an opportunity to move away from confrontation and toward a process of maintaining communication, rebuilding trust, and preventing further escalation.
The role of peace and security stakeholders will remain important in sustaining the agreement and addressing potential disputes before they develop into renewed armed conflict.
The 34th Infantry “Reliable” Battalion said it would remain committed to fulfilling its mandate and working with communities in promoting peace, security, and development within its area of responsibility.
The settlement in Barangay Linantangan demonstrates the importance of bringing conflicting parties to the negotiating table and creating an avenue where grievances can be addressed without resorting to armed violence.
For the community of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, the ceasefire offers an opportunity to prevent another cycle of confrontation and strengthen conditions for stability.
The parties’ continued observance of the agreement, including compliance with its provisions and the use of dialogue to resolve future disagreements, will be crucial in ensuring that the settlement develops into sustained peace and security in Linantangan.