Camp Siongco, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte — Three members of an armed group were wounded during an encounter with government troops in Barangay Poblacion, Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte, on the evening of June 4, 2025.
According to Lt. Col. Roberto F. Betita, Commanding Officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Lakan) Battalion, soldiers were dispatched to the area to intervene in a conflict between two rival groups. However, as the troops approached, they were immediately fired upon by around 30 armed men.
The soldiers returned fire, leading to the wounding of three members of the armed group. Following the clash, government forces recovered four high-powered firearms: a Cal. 30 Garand rifle, a 7.62mm M14 rifle, a 5.56mm M16A1 rifle, and a 5.56mm Colt rifle. They also seized various types of magazines and ammunition, three bandoliers, three sling bags, a commercial radio, two sachets of suspected shabu worth approximately PHP 59,500, and drug paraphernalia.
“We immediately brought the wounded suspects to the nearest medical facility for initial treatment before transferring them to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center for more extensive care. They will then be turned over to the Talitay Municipal Police Station to face appropriate charges,” Lt. Col. Betita said.
Following the incident, Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Brigade, convened the involved groups and warned that the military would not hesitate to use force should the violence continue. “We want peace and order in Talitay. Whatever disagreements exist can be resolved through dialogue, not violence,” Brig. Gen. Catu emphasized.
Major General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and the Joint Task Force Central, commended the troops for their swift and effective response. “Our soldiers showed compassion by providing immediate medical aid to the wounded. The 6ID and JTF Central will continue to uphold peace and security in the region,” Maj. Gen. Gumiran said.