SULTAN SA BARONGIS, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — Armed clashes continued Thursday, October 8, in Sitio Lebal, Barangay Kulambog, forcing hundreds of families to leave their homes as fighting between a group identified as Task Force BIAF and alleged members of a lawless armed group raised fears among residents of being caught in the crossfire.
Local authorities said civilians from affected sitios have been moved to safer areas as the security situation remained tense. Among the areas affected were Sitio Lebal, Sitio Silungan, Sitio Dundungen and Sitio Kimalong, with residents reportedly leaving their communities amid continuing concerns over armed exchanges.
Around 350 families have temporarily evacuated following the clashes, according to information gathered from residents and local authorities. Some evacuees are now staying at Gadungan Elementary School in Barangay Gadungan, which is being used as an evacuation center. Other displaced residents from Sitio Antoling Mindal in Barangay Kulambog have also been moved to safer locations.
Mayor Allandatu Angas Sr. said the fighting was reportedly linked to a series of incidents involving the alleged theft of livestock, including cattle, carabaos and goats belonging to civilians and members of the BIAF in the area.
Authorities, however, have yet to independently establish all details surrounding the reported livestock thefts or determine the full circumstances that led to the latest armed confrontation. The allegations remain subject to verification as government and security authorities continue to monitor the situation.
The municipal government, through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), conducted an on-site assessment on Wednesday, October 7, under the direction of Mayor Angas and with personnel from the 34th Infantry Battalion (34th IB).
The assessment was aimed at determining the impact of the armed confrontation, evaluating the security situation, identifying residents who had been displaced and determining their immediate needs.
Residents reportedly said that no families remained in several affected sitios because of fears that civilians could become trapped in the middle of the armed exchanges.
The continuing displacement has added another burden to families whose livelihoods depend on farming, livestock raising and other sources of income. A resident appealed to government authorities and the parties involved to immediately address the conflict and prevent the situation from worsening.
“Kaya po nananawagan po kami sa lahat ng mga kinauukulan na sana po ay agad na malutas ang problemang ito. Kasi kawawa talaga ang mga sibilyan, lalo na at alam nating nasa krisis ngayon. Nagbabakwit pa ang mga tao. Imbes na nakatuon na sana sila sa kanilang hanapbuhay, natatakot pa sila sa maaaring mangyari sa kanila,” the resident said.
The local government has begun providing food packs to displaced families staying in safer areas as authorities continue monitoring their condition.
For residents, however, immediate relief is only part of the urgent response. They are also seeking a lasting solution to the security problem so they can return home, resume their livelihoods and live without the continuing threat of armed violence.
As of Thursday, authorities were continuing to monitor the situation in and around Barangay Kulambog and nearby communities. The safety of civilians remains a major concern as the reported clashes continue.
No casualty figures or verified details on the extent of property damage were immediately provided in the information available. Authorities are expected to assess the situation further as security conditions allow.