Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur — Fear and uncertainty gripped residents of Sitio Sabaduan, Barangay Kauran, after an approximately 40-minute exchange of gunfire between two feuding families forced around 20 families to flee their homes on Thursday evening, October 15.
Residents hurriedly gathered whatever belongings they could carry and left their houses amid the reported armed confrontation that erupted at around 7 p.m. Some evacuees also brought their livestock, including carabaos, as they sought safer areas away from the gunfire.
Videos shared by residents showed families leaving the community with their personal belongings and animals. The distress was evident as children and elderly residents were among those forced to abandon their homes because of renewed violence.
According to 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, the gunfight reportedly stemmed from a personal feud between the Filmin and Simpal families. A member of the Filmin family was reported killed in connection with the incident, while the Simpal family was linked to the confrontation. Authorities have yet to establish all the circumstances surrounding the reported death.
Suscano also disclosed that an outstanding arrest warrant exists for a member of the Simpal family, which may be connected to the escalation of tensions between the two sides. However, the circumstances surrounding the warrant and its precise relationship to the latest clash have not been fully established in the available information.
No other injuries were reported from the exchange of gunfire.
Military, Police and Local Officials Respond
Personnel from the Philippine Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion, in coordination with the Ampatuan Municipal Police Station and the local government, promptly proceeded to the affected area to assess the situation, engage the families involved and help prevent further escalation.
Military personnel also conducted patrols in the vicinity to help secure the community and protect residents from possible renewed hostilities.
Ampatuan Mayor Datu Rasul M. Sangki, PhD, personally visited Sitio Sabaduan, Barangay Kauran, during the night to check on the situation and assess the security and welfare of affected residents.
He was accompanied by personnel from the Ampatuan Municipal Police Station led by Police Major Guessepe Tamayo, as well as Philippine Army personnel from Charlie Night Company of the 90th Infantry Battalion, led by an officer identified in the local government’s account as Sir Molina.
Barangay Captain Leolin Dolor of Barangay Kauran and Barangay Captain Datu Wata Adzis of Barangay Kapinpilan also joined the response, together with Sangguniang Bayan member Datu Samnon Sangki, former mayor Baileah G. Sangki and Municipal Information Officer Aimee Sambolawan.
The joint presence of local government officials, police and military personnel underscored the importance of coordinated action in addressing local disputes, maintaining peace and protecting civilians caught in the middle of armed confrontations.
Displaced Families Await a Return to Safety
Despite the immediate response, the security situation remained a concern following the reported gunfight. As of the latest information provided, it had not been confirmed whether the displaced families had returned to their homes.
The incident once again highlights the vulnerability of ordinary families living in communities affected by recurring armed disputes. When gunfire erupts near residential areas, civilians are often left with little time to prepare, forcing them to prioritize the safety of their children, elderly relatives and livestock while leaving their homes and possessions behind.
For the affected families, the immediate priority is to find safety. Their longer-term concerns include the security of their homes, the protection of their livelihoods and the assurance that they can return without fear of renewed violence.
The local government’s response, together with police and military efforts, will be crucial in preventing further clashes and creating conditions for the safe return of displaced residents.
Beyond patrols and immediate security measures, a lasting resolution will require sustained engagement with the families involved, efforts to address the underlying dispute through lawful and peaceful means, and close coordination with community leaders.
The incident also underscores the need for authorities to provide timely and verified information about the security situation, the condition of affected families and any assistance available to those forced to evacuate.
For the residents of Sitio Sabaduan, the hope is that the latest confrontation will not lead to further displacement or loss of life. Protecting civilians must remain the foremost priority as authorities work to contain tensions and prevent another outbreak of violence in Barangay Kauran.
As the affected families wait for a safe return, the challenge for authorities is not only to restore order for the night but also to help ensure that children, elderly residents and other civilians can live in their community without the constant fear of another gun battle.