SULTAN SA BARONGIS, Maguindanao del Sur — An armed security incident that left a civilian farmer wounded by a stray bullet and a separate outbreak of armed hostilities that forced residents to flee their homes have raised concerns over civilian safety in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur.
A farmer identified only by the alias “Not,” a resident of Sitio Dundongan, Barangay Tukana Kuden, was wounded by a stray bullet on Thursday, October 8, 2026, following a reported attack by an armed group against members of the Task Force BIAP in Liba, Kulambog, Sultan sa Barongis.
According to initial information, the civilian was hit by a bullet believed to have come from the armed encounter. Emergency responders immediately transported the wounded farmer to a hospital for medical attention. Authorities have yet to release further details about the victim’s condition.
Police are continuing their investigation into the shooting incident, including the circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire and how the civilian was struck.
Armed Tensions Force Residents to Evacuate
The security situation remained a concern on Friday afternoon, October 9, when several residents of Barangay Papakan were forced to leave their homes amid fears of being caught in armed clashes involving armed groups and units of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) under the 106th Base Command and Interim Base Command.
Mayor Allandatu Angas and Interim Base Commander Haun Sindatok said the dispute reportedly stemmed from incidents involving missing and allegedly stolen livestock belonging to BIAF members and civilians.
The two officials linked the incidents to groups they described as lawless armed groups. They also cited statements allegedly made during live video broadcasts discussing attempts to take livestock in several barangays of Sultan sa Barongis and Rajabuayan.
However, the circumstances surrounding the alleged livestock thefts and the parties responsible have not been independently established based on the available information.
Civilian Protection Remains a Concern
The wounding of a farmer and the subsequent displacement of residents underscore the risks civilians face when armed confrontations erupt in populated communities.
Residents who are not involved in the dispute may be exposed to stray gunfire, while escalating tensions can force families to abandon their homes and livelihoods for their safety.
Authorities and community leaders face the challenge of preventing further violence, clarifying the circumstances behind the reported incidents, and ensuring that civilians are protected from harm.
As of the latest available information, police were still investigating the October 8 shooting. No additional details were provided regarding the number of residents who evacuated Barangay Papakan, the duration of their displacement, or whether further clashes occurred after the reported incidents.