T’BOLI, SOUTH COTABATO — Government forces engaged an estimated 10 armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in two separate encounters in the vicinity of Sitio Lebe, Barangay Tudok, T’boli, South Cotabato, on Monday, September 14, 2026, according to the military.
The initial encounter involved troops from the 105th Infantry (Saifullah) Battalion, operating under the operational control of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, and an armed group reportedly led by Barney Arnaez, alias “Macmac,” of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) of the Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR).
The first clash took place at around 8:20 a.m. and lasted for approximately 10 minutes, according to the military account.
After the exchange of fire, the armed group reportedly withdrew rapidly toward an undetermined direction.
Military Recovers Weapons, Communications Equipment
Government troops subsequently conducted clearing and pursuit operations in the encounter area, where they recovered several items allegedly left behind by the fleeing group.
The recovered items reportedly included a homemade 40mm grenade launcher, a .38-caliber revolver, two commercial radios, four keypad mobile phones, a medical kit, and various documents described by the military as subversive materials.
Authorities did not provide information on whether any member of the armed group was killed or wounded during the first encounter.
Second Clash Reported During Pursuit
The military said a second encounter occurred later Monday afternoon as government troops continued pursuit operations against the same armed group.
According to the military, the NPA members again attempted to evade government forces and escape from the area, resulting in another exchange of fire.
Troops reportedly recovered additional war materiel and personal belongings following the second encounter.
These included an M16 rifle, an anti-personnel mine, a grenade, four rifle magazines, two bandoliers, a commercial radio, a pair of binoculars, eight civilian bags, personal belongings, and additional documents.
The military did not provide a confirmed casualty figure for either side as of the latest account.
Security Operations Continue
Pursuit operations remained ongoing as authorities worked to determine the whereabouts of the armed group and prevent further threats to communities in the area.
Authorities were also continuing to assess and verify other details surrounding the encounters, including information that could establish the full circumstances and impact of the clashes.
The military has urged remaining members of the armed group, particularly those who may have been wounded, to abandon armed struggle and consider a peaceful return to the government.
Authorities encouraged individuals seeking to surrender to coordinate through their families, local government officials, or recognized community leaders who can assist them in accessing government reintegration and assistance programs.
The government said it remains prepared to provide appropriate assistance to individuals who surrender and choose to return to civilian life.
The latest military account did not indicate whether any surrender had been recorded in connection with Monday’s encounters.
The situation remains under monitoring as government forces continue security and pursuit operations in the area.