ALEOSAN, Cotabato — Several houses were damaged and completely destroyed by fire following an armed confrontation in Sitio Tubak, Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan, Cotabato, as tensions between two families reportedly escalated following the killing of two minor brothers in the community.
The latest violence has raised fresh concerns over the safety of civilians, particularly families who have become caught in a long-running family feud, locally known as rido.
Initial reports from authorities indicated that the burning of houses occurred amid an exchange of gunfire linked to the longstanding dispute between the two families. The situation reportedly deteriorated following the fatal shooting of two minor siblings, aged 14 and 9, on November 10, 2026.
Among the houses reportedly burned were properties belonging to relatives of the two slain children, according to preliminary information gathered from residents. Authorities have yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding the destruction of the houses, including the identities of those responsible and the extent of the damage.
The incident represents another alarming development in the continuing security situation in Sitio Tubak, where the deaths of the two children have heightened tensions and raised fears of possible retaliatory violence.
The Philippine Army continues to monitor the affected community to prevent further armed confrontations, maintain peace and order, and protect residents from being caught in renewed hostilities. Security forces are also working to ensure that tensions do not spread to neighboring communities.
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Earlier, the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion and the 40th Infantry Battalion, together with the Aleosan local government and municipal police, held a dialogue on November 10 to discuss possible measures to peacefully address the continuing conflict in Sitio Tubak.
The meeting, attended by 33IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Germen T. Legada, 40IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Erwin Jay E. Dumaghan, Aleosan Mayor Eduardo C. Cabaya, Aleosan Chief of Police PMaj. Jennefer C. Amotan, and 33IB Charlie Company Commander 1LT Silas S. Guimbongan, focused on strengthening coordination among security forces, local officials, and concerned community stakeholders.
The dialogue underscored the need for a coordinated and peaceful approach to resolving the dispute, preventing further bloodshed, and restoring stability in the affected community.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police continues its investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the latest incident and identify those who may be held accountable.
Authorities face the urgent task of preventing further escalation while ensuring that those responsible for the killings and subsequent violence are brought before the law.
Beyond the immediate security response, the developments in Aleosan highlight the devastating consequences of unresolved family and clan disputes, particularly when civilians and innocent children become victims of violence.
For the affected families, the burning of their homes adds another layer of loss to an already tragic situation. Preventing another cycle of retaliation and securing a lasting peaceful settlement remain critical to protecting the community.
The investigation and security monitoring remain ongoing.