CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Government troops successfully prevented a violent confrontation between two armed Moro factions in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, on Sunday morning. Military officials confirmed the incident on Monday, highlighting the swift response of security forces.
Acting on civilian alerts, soldiers from the 6th Infantry Battalion arrived at Barangay Ganta around 6 a.m., just as the rival groups were preparing to engage. The presence of government forces prompted the factions to flee, preventing a possible bloodbath in the area.
As the armed groups retreated, they left behind two modified Garand rifles, which had been converted to M14 configurations, a fragmentation grenade, and several rounds of ammunition. Authorities are now investigating the origin of the weapons and monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
“This swift intervention averted what could have been a deadly clan war,” said Lt. Col. Al Victor Burkley, noting that the area has a history of “rido” or clan feuds. These conflicts often lead to violence and displacement of civilians, making immediate military action crucial.
With the potential for renewed clashes, Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu has placed all 601st Brigade units on heightened alert. The military remains on standby to prevent similar incidents and ensure stability in the province.
The 6th Infantry Division also commended the vigilance of local residents, whose timely alerts played a key role in stopping the violence. Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran emphasized the importance of community cooperation, noting that armed encounters have decreased by 40% this year due to stronger ties between civilians and security forces.
“Community cooperation is vital in maintaining peace,” Gumiran said, urging locals to continue reporting suspicious activities to prevent further bloodshed.