KADAYANGAN, Special Geographic Area (SGA)-BARMM — Government security forces, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace mechanisms, and local government officials have launched a coordinated peace and security response following an armed confrontation in Barangay Central Labas that forced dozens of families to flee their homes over the weekend.
The firefight erupted at around 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, in Purok 1 and Purok 2 of Barangay Central Labas, sending residents scrambling for safety after gunfire suddenly broke out following what witnesses described as an earlier discussion among individuals in the area.
Fearing for their lives, numerous families abandoned their homes and sought temporary shelter with relatives and friends while the exchange of gunfire continued.
Authorities have yet to officially identify the groups involved in the encounter as investigations remain ongoing.
Immediately after the incident, personnel from the Kadayangan Municipal Police Station (MPS), the 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB) of the Philippine Army, representatives of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kadayangan, and officials from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government were deployed to the area to stabilize the situation and prevent further violence.
Joint peace mechanisms activated
In the aftermath of the clash, two peace mechanisms of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) joined forces with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Kadayangan LGU to enforce a ceasefire and facilitate dialogue between the opposing groups.
Authorities said continuous coordination and dialogue are underway to prevent another outbreak of violence while maintaining peace and order in the affected community.
The joint peace effort seeks to ensure the safety of civilians, restore normalcy, and resolve the conflict through peaceful negotiations rather than armed confrontation.
Officials have likewise appealed to both parties to exercise maximum restraint and actively participate in peace discussions to prevent further bloodshed.
Community-based conflict settlement
As part of intensified inter-agency peacebuilding efforts, the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (MDNPPO), headed by Provincial Director PCOL George D. Bagundol Jr., together with PLT Julito E. Gonzales, Officer-in-Charge of the Kadayangan MPS, supported the conduct of a Community-Based Conflict Settlement on July 6.
The dialogue was held at the headquarters of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato, and was aimed at addressing the conflict involving Barangay Central Labas Chairperson Hon. Nacil Guintem and Noraisa Madendog, whose dispute is being linked to the recent armed confrontation.
The settlement proceedings were spearheaded by Brig. Gen. Ricky P. Bunayog, Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, 6th Infantry Division, who led the investigation process during the dialogue.
The meeting resulted in a commitment to undertake a joint investigation involving the PNP, AFP, Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), Kadayangan Mayor Hon. Mascud A. Duma, Vice Mayor Hon. Abdulmaola Jeffrey M. Namil, and Lt. Col. Germen T. Legada, Commanding Officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion.
Authorities said the collaborative investigation seeks to ensure justice for those affected by the firefight and hold accountable any individuals found responsible under the law.
Police, LGU strengthen coordination
Earlier on July 6, the MDNPPO also convened an emergency coordination meeting with Kadayangan local officials in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Provincial Director Bagundol met with Vice Mayor Hon. Datumaula N. Amil, together with PLT Gonzales, to assess the security situation and formulate measures aimed at preventing any escalation of hostilities.
The meeting emphasized restoring public confidence, maintaining law and order, and ensuring that residents can safely return to their communities.
Authorities also urged the public to remain calm but vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through official police communication channels.
Despite the recent violence, government forces, MILF peace mechanisms, and local officials expressed confidence that sustained dialogue, coordinated law enforcement operations, and adherence to existing peace agreements will help prevent further armed confrontations and preserve peace in the Special Geographic Area of BARMM.