Ongoing armed clashes between government troops and an armed group in Barangay Biosong, Picong, Lanao del Sur, left motorists stranded, disrupted traffic, and raised serious safety concerns for travelers along a major highway connecting parts of Mindanao. As of late Saturday night, November 7, the fighting was still ongoing.
PICONG, Lanao del Sur — An intense armed confrontation along the National Highway in Barangay Biosong, Picong, Lanao del Sur, continued late Saturday night, November 7, after an initial exchange of gunfire between two feuding families reportedly escalated into a firefight involving troops of the Philippine Army and an armed group described in initial reports as lawless elements.
The continuing hostilities have disrupted traffic along the highway, leaving numerous motorists, passengers, and other travelers stranded as gunfire was heard in the area. Vehicles were forced to stop and remain at a safe distance because of the danger posed by stray bullets reaching the highway and nearby communities.
Initial reports indicated that the incident began with a heavy exchange of gunfire between two rival families reportedly involved in a longstanding rido, or clan feud. The confrontation occurred along a section of the national highway, prompting motorists and residents to take cover while authorities assessed the situation.
However, developments later Saturday afternoon and evening indicated that the violence had escalated into a direct armed encounter involving personnel of the Philippine Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion and an armed group in the same area.
Three soldiers wounded, one in critical condition
Three soldiers assigned to the 64th Infantry Battalion, based in Barangay Matalin, Malabang, Lanao del Sur, were reported wounded during the encounter.
The injured personnel were identified in initial reports as Private First Class (PVT) Mosqueda, PVT Delegorio, and Staff Sergeant (SSG) Padawan. While Mosqueda and Delegorio reportedly sustained injuries, Padawan was reported to be in critical condition and was immediately brought to a medical facility for treatment.
According to information obtained from sources familiar with the incident, the soldiers had reportedly come from a settlement connected to efforts to address a rido between two opposing parties. However, while returning from the area, their group was allegedly attacked by armed individuals along the National Highway in Barangay Biosong.
The circumstances surrounding the reported attack, including the identities and affiliations of the armed individuals involved, had yet to be independently established as of the time of writing.
Military operations continue as casualty reports remain unverified
As military operations continued in the area Saturday night, the full extent of the casualties remained unclear.
Reports circulating on social media and information shared by a concerned netizen claimed that two soldiers may have been killed and five others wounded. However, these claims had not been independently verified and were not supported by an official casualty report available to the news team as of late Saturday night.
The reported casualties on the opposing side also remained undetermined. There was no confirmed information on whether members of the armed group had been killed or wounded during the continuing encounter.
The Mindanao Sentinel is treating these circulating claims with caution and will not consider them established facts without confirmation from the military or other competent authorities.
The arrival of additional military personnel in the area was also reported Saturday evening, suggesting that security forces were reinforcing their presence as the situation developed. Nevertheless, the precise number of troops deployed and the operational status of the engagement had yet to be officially clarified.
Motorists warned against passing through the area
The continuing firefight has caused significant disruption to motorists traveling through Picong, particularly those using the highway as part of their routes to Cotabato City, General Santos City, and Davao.
Travelers were advised to avoid passing through Barangay Biosong and the affected highway section while the armed confrontation remained active. Those already stranded were urged to prioritize their safety, remain away from exposed areas, and follow instructions from military personnel and local authorities.
The situation has raised concerns not only for the combatants but also for civilians who could be caught in the crossfire, particularly motorists, passengers, nearby residents, and other people with no involvement in the conflict.
With the fighting taking place along a major transportation corridor, the immediate concern is preventing further injuries and ensuring that civilians are not exposed to unnecessary danger.
Authorities urged to issue an official situation report
The absence of a comprehensive official update has added to uncertainty among stranded passengers, their families, and travelers planning to use the route.
Authorities are being urged to provide timely and accurate information on the current security situation, the condition of the wounded soldiers, the confirmed casualty count, and whether the highway remains unsafe for civilian traffic.
The military and local government authorities are also expected to clarify the circumstances that led to the escalation from a reported clan-related confrontation into an armed encounter involving government troops.
As of late Saturday night, November 7, when this report was being prepared, the armed confrontation in Barangay Biosong remained ongoing. The final casualty count, the identity of the armed group, and the circumstances surrounding the encounter had yet to be fully established.
The Mindanao Sentinel continues to verify developments with the appropriate authorities. Further information will be published once confirmed.