SHARIFF SAYDONA MUSTAPHA, Maguindanao del Sur — Three members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were killed while seven others were wounded in a violent encounter between two rival base commands in Barangay Linantangan on Sunday morning, August 10, 2025.
Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) spokesperson Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura said the firefight erupted past 8:00 a.m. between forces of the 128th MILF Base Command, led by Commanders Zainudin Kairo and Malibuteng, and the 118th MILF Base Command, headed by Commanders Kagui Gani Adam, Esmail Salim, and Tuhami Mamulintaw.
Initial investigations revealed that the group of Malibuteng, aboard three minivans bound for Pembalkan, Mamasapano, was ambushed by the 118th Base Command while traversing the highway in Barangay Linantangan.
Three members of the 128th Base Command died on the spot, while seven others sustained gunshot wounds. A civilian was also hit by a stray bullet and is now recovering in a hospital. Authorities recovered over 100 spent shells at the crime scene.
The exchange of gunfire caused panic among residents and students of a nearby Islamic religious school. Several families living close to the area fled their homes for safety.
Local officials disclosed that the two MILF factions have been embroiled in a long-standing feud, reportedly fueled by disputes over territory and political alignments. The rivalry intensified following their opposing support for rival politicians in the May 12, 2025 elections.
In the wake of the violence, residents from the affected communities — particularly Barangays Libutan, Linantangan, Tukanalipao, and Daladap in Mamasapano — have issued an urgent appeal to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government to declare a state of emergency.
“This is no longer an isolated incident. We are living in fear due to recurring ambushes, killings, and mass evacuations. Our economy is collapsing, and our lives are at stake,” the residents said in a statement.
They called on the BARMM leadership to immediately mediate between the warring parties and implement long-term peace solutions.
“We still believe in a peaceful Mamasapano — a place where peace is not a privilege, but a right for every resident,” the statement added.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation while pursuing efforts to pacify both sides and prevent further bloodshed.