ALEOSAN, Cotabato — A civilian was allegedly shot dead after being caught in the middle of escalating armed hostilities between two families involved in a longstanding feud, locally known as rido, in Sitio Tubak, Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan, Cotabato, on November 11, 2026.
The victim, identified as Muhagir “Gong” Kado, was reportedly not involved in the armed confrontation but became another casualty of the continuing violence that has unsettled the community following the killing of two minor brothers, aged 14 and 9, on November 10.
According to preliminary accounts, Kado was encountered by armed individuals who were reportedly transporting the body of a leader of one of the groups involved in the fighting. The leader was said to have been killed during the armed encounter. Kado was allegedly shot repeatedly, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to his body and face.
Initial information suggested that Kado may have had family ties to the opposing side of the dispute. However, there is no independent confirmation that he participated in the hostilities or had any direct involvement in the armed conflict. His family has maintained that he was a civilian who lived an honest and peaceful life through his livelihood.
Kado reportedly lived near the boundary of Barangay Nalapaan in Malidegao, Special Geographic Area (SGA), and Barangay Lagundi, SGA. His community was some distance from the site of the confrontation, and some residents reportedly did not immediately evacuate as the violence unfolded.
His death came amid a series of violent developments in Sitio Tubak, where several houses were reportedly damaged or completely destroyed by fire following renewed armed confrontations linked to the family feud.
The house burnings reportedly affected properties belonging to relatives of the two slain children, although authorities have yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fires, the extent of the damage, and the identities of those responsible.
The deaths of the two young brothers on November 10 had already intensified tensions between the families. The subsequent destruction of houses and Kado’s killing have further deepened concerns over the safety of residents who are increasingly exposed to the consequences of the continuing dispute.
The series of incidents illustrates how unresolved family conflicts can extend beyond the immediate parties involved, placing children, ordinary residents, and entire communities at risk of retaliation and armed violence.
Kado’s family is appealing to authorities to investigate his death thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. They described him as a kind and hardworking person who had no direct involvement in the ongoing armed conflict.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army continues to monitor the affected community to prevent further armed confrontations, maintain peace and order, and protect civilians from renewed hostilities. Security forces are also coordinating efforts to prevent the violence from spreading to neighboring communities.
Earlier, on November 10, the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion and the 40th Infantry Battalion, together with the Aleosan local government and municipal police, conducted a dialogue to discuss possible measures to peacefully address the continuing conflict in Sitio Tubak.
The meeting was attended by 33IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Germen T. Legada, 40IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Erwin Jay E. Dumaghan, Aleosan Mayor Eduardo C. Cabaya, Aleosan Chief of Police PMaj. Jennefer C. Amotan, and 33IB Charlie Company Commander 1LT Silas S. Guimbongan.
Discussions focused on strengthening coordination among security forces, local government officials, and community stakeholders to prevent further violence and pursue a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
The Philippine National Police is also continuing its investigation into the incidents to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and subsequent violence and identify individuals who may be held accountable.
As of this writing, the full circumstances surrounding Kado’s death and the house burnings have yet to be independently established. The concerned authorities have yet to release a comprehensive official account addressing all the developments.
With two children dead, several houses reportedly destroyed, and another civilian killed, the situation in Sitio Tubak underscores the urgent need to stop the cycle of retaliation and protect residents who have become unintended victims of the continuing rido.
For the affected families, the immediate challenge is no longer simply the resolution of a family dispute but the restoration of safety, accountability, and lasting peace in their community.