TUGUNAN, SGA-BARMM — Six armed individuals were reported killed during a joint law-enforcement operation involving the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and local authorities in Tugunan, Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The operation, launched to serve a warrant of arrest against an individual facing a carnapping with homicide case, escalated into an armed confrontation after the target and companions allegedly opened fire at government forces approaching their location.
The operation was led by the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office and Tugunan Municipal Police Station, with support from the 602nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade, 40th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Battalion, CAT99, 61st Division Reconnaissance Company, Tactical Operations Group 12 of the Philippine Air Force, and Task Force 92, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the Philippine Army.
According to the military account, government forces came under fire while moving toward the subject of the warrant, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that left six armed individuals dead.
Five firearms were reportedly recovered from the area, consisting of four M16 rifles and one Garand rifle.
Authorities said information provided by residents regarding reported incidents and abuses allegedly linked to the armed group helped security forces determine its location.
Local officials and residents have associated the group with alleged criminal activities, including motornapping, cattle rustling and illegal drug trading. Other accounts have also linked the group to allegations involving kidnapping and murder. These allegations remain subject to investigation and appropriate judicial proceedings.
Fighting Forces Hundreds of Residents to Flee
The armed confrontation affected communities in and around Barangays Manaulanan and Balong, prompting the evacuation of approximately 350 residents.
The evacuees are currently staying in two evacuation centers as the local government and concerned agencies continue coordinating security and humanitarian assistance.
Authorities have been working to ensure that displaced residents receive their basic needs while security operations and assessment continue in the affected communities.
The evacuation also highlights the immediate impact of armed encounters on civilians living near areas where law-enforcement and security operations are conducted.
Reports of Mortar and Air Support
Earlier accounts from the area described the use of mortar and air support during the operation.
The reports indicated that government forces launched the operation against an armed group reportedly occupying a position in the affected communities.
However, the exact nature, extent and sequence of the reported air operations remain subject to further official assessment.
Authorities continue to assess the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the identities of those killed, the firearms recovered and the extent of any damage resulting from the armed confrontation.
Mayor Supports Operation
Tugunan Mayor Abdullah P. Abas expressed support for the government operation.
According to local officials and some residents, the operation could help address illegal activities allegedly associated with the group, including motorcycle theft, cattle rustling and illegal drug trading.
Col. Romeo N. Bautista III, acting commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, also thanked the local government of Tugunan, the PNP and residents for their cooperation during the operation.
The 602nd Infantry Brigade, under the 6th Infantry Division, said it would continue coordinating with local authorities and concerned agencies to maintain security and order in Tugunan while addressing the safety and welfare of residents affected by the incident.
Brig. Gen. Ricky P. Bunayog, acting commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, likewise commended the soldiers, police personnel, local government officials and residents for their cooperation and efforts to maintain security in the community.
MILF-AHJAG Team Moves to Help De-escalate Situation
Amid the fighting, the MILF-AHJAG Team Site 1, led by Nor-Ali P. Alamada under the supervision of MILF-AHJAG Chairman Anuwar Alamada, reportedly proceeded to Barangay Balong to help mediate in the confrontation between the armed group and government forces.
The intervention was intended to help prevent further escalation and contribute to the safety of civilians in the affected community.
The situation continued to be monitored as authorities and peace actors worked to prevent further violence and maintain order.
Calls for Restraint and Protection of Civilians
The armed confrontation also prompted concern from community and Bangsamoro stakeholders.
Datuali Uka Ibrahim expressed concern over reports of intensified military operations in Barangay Manaulanan, including allegations of aerial bombing against MILF forces.
Ibrahim warned that continued hostilities could further escalate tensions and have serious consequences for civilian communities.
He also raised concerns about the heightened security environment in BARMM following the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections and questioned whether the aftermath of the current hostilities could lead to further militarization of communities.
Separately, Bangsamoro Parliament member Atty. Lanang Ali called on the GPH-MILF Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH)-AHJAG to intervene if necessary in the situation in Tugunan.
Ali emphasized the need to prevent the conflict from escalating, stressing that civilians ultimately bear the consequences of armed violence.
As of Saturday evening, government authorities continued their assessment of the incident while security forces remained deployed in the affected areas.
The immediate priorities remain the protection of civilians, assistance to displaced families, prevention of further armed confrontation, proper accounting of casualties and recovery of evidence, and continued coordination among government agencies and established peace mechanisms.
The incident underscores the continuing security challenges faced by communities in the SGA and the importance of ensuring that law-enforcement operations are conducted in accordance with the law while safeguarding civilians who may be caught in areas affected by armed conflict.