PICONG, Lanao del Sur — The Philippine Army has officially confirmed that three government soldiers were wounded in an armed encounter in Barangay Biasong, Picong, Lanao del Sur, on Saturday, November 7, following hours of gunfire linked to a reported family feud, or rido, that escalated into a confrontation with government troops.
In an update issued by the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade, under the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, the military said its operationally controlled 64th Infantry (Knights) Battalion, in coordination with the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), responded to the reported armed incident.
According to the brigade, government troops were dispatched to assess and pacify the situation after receiving reports of an armed confrontation involving individuals reportedly engaged in a family feud.
However, the responding personnel were allegedly fired upon by armed individuals involved in the conflict, triggering an exchange of gunfire that left three government troops wounded.
The brigade confirmed that additional military personnel were deployed to reinforce the responding elements as the situation developed. The exchange of gunfire eventually subsided at around 8 p.m. Saturday.
The official statement provides confirmation of the three wounded soldiers previously reported by The Mindanao Sentinel, amid earlier uncertainty surrounding the number of casualties and the extent of the armed confrontation.
Military clarifies circumstances behind encounter
The brigade’s account identified a reported rido as the trigger of the incident, offering an official explanation for the initial confrontation that later escalated into an armed encounter involving government forces.
The military said its personnel were responding to assess and contain the situation when they came under fire.
The latest statement, however, did not identify the armed individuals involved, disclose the identities and medical conditions of the three wounded soldiers, or provide a confirmed casualty count from the opposing side.
Earlier reports also indicated that heavy gunfire had disrupted traffic along the National Highway in the affected area, leaving motorists and passengers stranded amid concerns over possible stray bullets.
While the military confirmed that the exchange of gunfire had subsided, it did not provide a specific update on whether normal traffic had resumed or whether all security risks along the highway had been cleared.
Brigade condemns attack, vows accountability
The 101st Infantry Brigade strongly condemned the attack against its personnel, emphasizing that the troops were carrying out their responsibility to restore peace and protect the community.
It assured the public that those responsible would be held accountable under the law and that appropriate legal action would be pursued in coordination with concerned authorities.
The brigade also called on all parties involved in the family feud to stop the violence, exercise restraint, and settle their differences through peaceful dialogue.
The incident underscores how longstanding clan disputes can escalate beyond the families directly involved, putting government personnel, motorists, passengers, and nearby communities at risk.
The military said it continues to coordinate with local authorities to prevent further hostilities and maintain public safety.
With the official confirmation now establishing three wounded government troops, questions remain over the identities of those responsible, the condition of the injured personnel, and whether the confrontation resulted in additional casualties.