COTABATO CITY — Government troops clashed with an armed group in a tense encounter on Saturday afternoon, April 4, 2026, at Timako Hill in Barangay Kalanganan II, triggering panic among residents and prompting intensified security operations in the area.
Joint elements of the Philippine Marines, particularly the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 (MBLT-6), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) engaged more than 10 armed men reportedly positioned in the area of Sitio Timako. The firefight, which lasted around five minutes, occurred shortly before 4 p.m. following a rapid response to reports of an earlier attack on civilians.
According to initial police findings, the armed group is believed to be linked to a wanted individual identified as Jun Barang. Authorities have yet to confirm the full composition of the group and are continuing efforts to track down all those involved.
The confrontation stemmed from a reported ambush on two brothers, Asraf and Zaldy Guilal, who were gathering firewood in the area. The victims recounted that two gunmen armed with M16 assault rifles opened fire on them. Both civilians miraculously escaped unharmed, but the incident immediately raised alarm among local authorities.
Responding to the distress call, Marines deployed a platoon backed by military trucks and a V150 armored vehicle to conduct a mobile security patrol and hot pursuit operation. At approximately 3:54 p.m., a Marine squad encountered the armed group, leading to a brief but intense exchange of gunfire.
Following the clash, clearing operations yielded the recovery of two long magazines, three short magazines, and 99 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, indicating the presence of high-powered firearms among the suspects.
Authorities also reported sighting a civilian watercraft believed to have been used by the gunmen as an escape vehicle, suggesting a coordinated withdrawal after the firefight.
Despite the intensity of the encounter, no casualties or injuries have been reported as of this writing. However, residents in Barangay Kalanganan II expressed fear as gunshots echoed across the համայնք, forcing many to stay indoors while security forces secured the area.
In response, the military has established tight blocking and area security operations, with additional reinforcements from MBLT-2 and the 26th Marine Company deployed to prevent the suspects’ escape and ensure public safety. A V150 armored vehicle remains stationed in the area as part of ongoing security measures.
The area has since been placed under cordon, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance while conducting follow-up operations and investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and identify all individuals involved.
Officials assured the public that operations will continue until the armed group is neutralized and the safety of residents is fully secured.