TAMPAKAN, South Cotabato / KIBLAWAN, Davao del Sur — Fear has gripped Blaan communities along the boundary of Tampakan, South Cotabato and Kiblawan, Davao del Sur following reports of an armed group allegedly patrolling the area, collecting money and rice from residents, and providing protection to individuals engaged in unregulated small-scale gold mining.
Residents of Sitio Datal Biao in Barangay Danlag, Tampakan, and Sitio Alyong in Barangay Kimlawis, Kiblawan, confirmed the reported presence of the armed men on Thursday, August 20, 2026. They asked that their identities be withheld, citing concerns for their safety.
According to the residents, the group is composed of heavily armed men reportedly carrying M16 and M14 rifles, along with pistols and revolvers. The residents said they have been unable to confront or drive away the armed individuals because they are unarmed and fear possible retaliation.
Field sources separately reported that around 11 armed men were monitored in the area at about 7:45 p.m. on August 15. Two of the individuals were identified by the source as Balusa Binuhay and Tata Binuhay, who were allegedly accompanied by nine other unidentified men. The group was reportedly armed with M16 and M14 rifles and .45-caliber and 9mm pistols.
A video reportedly recorded by residents on August 13 was also provided to local officials and police. The footage purportedly shows armed men moving around the area, although the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding the video have yet to be independently established.
Alleged NPA affiliation remains unverified
Residents also alleged that two relatives known by the aliases “Balusa” and “Thata” have been leading the group. They further claimed that the men have been introducing themselves as members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
That alleged affiliation, however, has not been independently confirmed.
The residents said the armed men have been using their presence to intimidate communities and allegedly demand money and rice. They also claimed that the group has been providing security to some operators of illegal or unregulated small-scale gold mining activities locally referred to as “banlas.”
Security observers said the reported presence of armed elements could potentially be connected to attempts to establish influence or control over areas where unregulated mining activities are being conducted. The display of firearms, they noted, could be used to intimidate residents, mining operators or other groups seeking access to the area.
All allegations concerning extortion, illegal mining protection, leadership and affiliation with the NPA remain subject to verification by law enforcement authorities.
Residents call for joint military-police operation
With growing fear in the affected communities, the Blaan residents are appealing for immediate intervention from the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, and police authorities in Regions 11 and 12.
They are specifically calling for a coordinated security operation to locate and verify the identities of the armed men and prevent further intimidation of residents.
The residents have also appealed to South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., local government officials in Davao del Sur, the Police Regional Offices 11 and 12, and the 10th Infantry Division to act swiftly on their complaints and ensure the safety of communities in the boundary area.
The request comes amid heightened concern over the reported movement of armed individuals in a remote area where residents say they have little capacity to protect themselves.
Possible security risk to road project
The reported armed presence has also raised concern because the road passing through the area is reportedly being used in connection with a major national government road rehabilitation project.
Security sources warned that the presence of armed elements could potentially expose the project, its contractors and workers to security risks, particularly if the group attempts to exert control over the route or impose financial demands.
Any attempt to intimidate workers, contractors or government personnel could further disrupt public infrastructure activities and heighten tensions in communities already concerned about security.
For now, the identities, organization and actual activities of the reported armed men remain unverified. Authorities have yet to publicly confirm whether the individuals are affiliated with any organized armed group, including the NPA, or whether they are involved in illegal mining operations or extortion.
The Blaan residents, meanwhile, continue to call for immediate government intervention, saying the presence of heavily armed men has left them fearful and vulnerable in their own communities.