Two persons were killed in Maguindanao clash
Two persons were killed following a violent encounter between two armed groups in Barangay Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur, the Philippine Army confirmed on Saturday. The incident unfolded around 12:15 a.m., involving a group loyal to the chairman of Barangay Lower Dilag and another faction led by Morsid Mamalinta.
The firefight lasted about an hour and a half, creating a tense atmosphere in the area. By 12:25 a.m., a unit from the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade arrived at the scene to intervene. However, they were met with gunfire from the armed groups and responded accordingly.
Military response and firefight details
The troops engaged the hostile elements, leading to a brief but intense firefight. Coordination with local authorities was immediately established, and additional forces were put on standby for reinforcement. Fortunately, no casualties were reported on the government’s side.
Later in the morning, just past 10 a.m., another platoon of the same brigade encountered approximately 15 fully armed men also in Barangay Pandag. This led to a 20-minute shootout.
Casualties and weapons recovered
The Philippine Army identified one of the fatalities as Emran Mamalinta, a candidate for municipal councilor, while the other victim remains unidentified. Aside from the two killed, one person was injured and seven suspects were captured during the operations.
Authorities recovered various firearms and ammunition, including three M16 rifles, two Garand rifles, one M653 rifle with a grenade launcher, several magazines, grenades, and hundreds of rounds of live ammunition. The seized weapons highlight the serious nature of the armed conflict in the area.
Ongoing security and police investigation
Clearing and security operations continue in Barangay Pandag as government forces pursue the remaining armed groups. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting a thorough investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the clash.
The PNP stated that initial findings confirm that personnel from the Pandag Municipal Police Station reported gunfire in Lower Dilag. Upon government troops’ arrival, they found the area under attack by unidentified armed men.
Police forces, together with the 21st mechanized company and other units, deployed armored vehicles to stabilize the situation and conduct hot pursuit operations. Additional support came from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Special Action Force.
Community safety and official assurances
Authorities coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities to assess the impact on civilians. The PNP assured the public that personnel remain stationed at polling centers to ensure safety and security ahead of the 2025 elections.
They also urged residents to stay calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any suspicious activities promptly. The coordinated efforts of the military, police, and local officials aim to maintain peace and order in Maguindanao del Sur during this critical period.