MATALAM, North Cotabato – The Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division has clarified that the recent foot patrol conducted by the 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) along the boundary of Barangay Kidama, Matalam, on October 18, 2025, did not violate the peace process agreements between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Lt. Colonel Ronald Suscano, Commanding Officer of the Division’s Civil-Military Operations (CMO), explained that the patrol was part of the military’s routine action in response to reports of armed presence in Barangay Malinan, which has led to the displacement of several residents due to sporadic gunfire and alleged clan conflict (rido).
“There was no intent to violate the peace agreement,” Suscano said, emphasizing that the movement of troops was merely part of their security operation. He added that the military is currently seeking dialogue with the MILF leadership to clarify the situation and assure that the patrol was not meant to disregard existing peace mechanisms.
Suscano further noted that the military’s action was driven by the need to de-escalate tensions among warring groups in Barangay Malinan. “If civilians request our assistance, especially when there is no initiative from the local government, the military is ready to help ensure their safety,” he added.
At least 161 families from three sitios in Barangay Malinan have evacuated due to the reported presence of armed men in the area.
Earlier, Esmael Imbong, a member of the MILF’s 108th Base Command under Commander Abdullah Imbong, claimed that the military’s entry into Kidama was uncoordinated and therefore a breach of the established peace process protocol. He also clarified that the Imbong family had no involvement in the recent armed tensions in Malinan or in any meetings allegedly convened by the City Government between local officials and armed groups.
City Police Chief Lt. Col. Jose Marie Simangan confirmed that Commander Abdullah Imbong had been invited to a peace dialogue facilitated by the City Government but failed to attend.
The military has since reiterated its commitment to the peace process, assuring that all actions are done in accordance with established coordination procedures under the Government of the Philippines–MILF Ceasefire Agreement.