COTABATO CITY — Representatives of the two sides involved in the recent armed clashes in Barangay Kalanganan, Cotabato City, have agreed to support a cessation of hostilities and pursue a joint verification and investigation, in a move aimed at preventing further violence and resolving the dispute through dialogue and established peace mechanisms.
The agreement was reached during a consultative meeting convened by the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division on October 3, 2026, at its headquarters, bringing together representatives of the parties involved, government and MILF peace mechanisms, and security stakeholders.
Representing the concerned sides were Hon. Datu Bimbo Ayunan-Pasawiran, Barangay Chairman of Kalanganan, and Ustadz Abusaima Hussain, also known as Abu Shaima, Base Commander of the 128th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF).
The meeting was led by Brig. Gen. Ricky P. Bunayog, Acting Commander of the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, who provided both sides an opportunity to present their respective concerns, grievances and accounts surrounding the recent incidents.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ayunan-Pasawiran and Hussain shook hands, signaling their commitment to the understandings reached and their willingness to work toward ending the hostilities in the area.
A key component of the agreement is the conduct of an ocular inspection, verification and investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the recent armed incidents and determine the facts on the ground.
The Philippine National Police, through P/Col. Jibin M. Bongcayao, City Director of the Cotabato City Police Office, will initially lead the investigation in coordination with the 6ID/JTF Central and the appropriate peace mechanisms.
The Government of the Philippines-MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) will continue facilitating coordination, verification and dialogue between the concerned parties as efforts proceed to de-escalate tensions.
The involvement of the CCCH and AHJAG is particularly significant given the role of established ceasefire and peace mechanisms in managing disputes and preventing localized incidents from escalating into wider armed confrontations.
While the investigation and dialogue are underway, 6ID troops will maintain regular patrols and security operations in the area. The military said these measures are intended to protect residents, deter further violence and maintain peace and order while the concerned parties and peace mechanisms pursue appropriate interventions.
Bunayog called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, respect the rule of law and uphold existing peace agreements and mechanisms.
“We do not want to see another exchange of fire in Kalanganan that could put our people’s lives and safety at risk,” Bunayog said.
He emphasized that authorities would use lawful measures within their mandate to protect the community and prevent further escalation.
“The law applies equally to everyone, and we will not hesitate to enforce it against anyone who violates the rule of law or undermines the peace process,” he added.
Bunayog said the immediate objectives are to prevent further loss of life, protect civilians, establish the facts surrounding the incidents and create conditions conducive to dialogue and a peaceful resolution.
The consultative meeting was also attended by Hon. Malik Caril, Chairman of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities; Nor-Ali S. Alamada, representative of the MILF Ad Hoc Joint Action Group; Brig. Gen. Larry C. Batalla, Commander of the 1st Marine Brigade; Col. Sergio P. Macarandan Jr., Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs; Col. Rey Rico, G7; and other military officers, peace mechanism representatives and stakeholders.
The developments in Kalanganan underscore the importance of immediately containing localized armed disputes before they cause further civilian harm or undermine broader peace and security efforts in Cotabato City.
Authorities and peace stakeholders have urged residents and all parties concerned to remain calm, avoid provocative actions and refrain from measures that could reignite tensions.
For the military and peace mechanisms involved, the immediate priority is no longer simply determining what happened during the recent clashes, but ensuring that the incident does not trigger another cycle of violence.
The parties are now expected to allow the investigation and verification process to proceed while using the established mechanisms for dialogue and conflict resolution. The continued presence of security forces, meanwhile, is intended to provide protection for communities as the parties work toward a peaceful settlement.
The outcome of the investigation could be crucial in clarifying the circumstances behind the clashes, addressing grievances and identifying appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring in Kalanganan.