Two people were injured after a loud explosion rocked Barangay Mother Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur evening on Saturday, May 10, 2025, just two days before the National and Local Elections (NLE) on Monday, May 12.

Authorities identified the victims as a 40-year-old man and a 13-year-old girl.

Bystanders rushed the victims to the hospital.

Personnel of the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station and the 90th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army responded to secure the area while the Provincial Explosive Canine Unit conducted post-blast investigation.

The damage to properties is still being assessed, as of this writing.

Authorities are investigating the incident to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive.

Earlier that day, troops under the 601st Infantry Brigade engaged several members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a firefight in the same town, according to a report by GMA’s 24 Oras.

The encounter erupted after MILF members allegedly fired shots at soldiers conducting a mobile patrol to ensure no armed group would disrupt the election.

Two soldiers and several MILF members were reportedly injured.

“We have to clear all the voting centers ng any armed para mawala yung takot sa mga tao. Sana makita nila walang may dalang baril except kami para bumuto sila,” 601st Commander, Brigadier General Edgar Catu, said.

The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) also condemn the armed attack and lauded the military for its commitment to preserving peace and security in communities vulnerable to threats from lawless groups.

“This reprehensible attack on our soldiers is an attack on peace itself. We will not allow lawless elements to threaten the stability and democratic processes in the Bangsamoro region. PRO BAR remains fully committed to working with our AFP counterparts to ensure justice is served and peace is preserved,” PRO-BAR Director, Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz, said.

“We assure the public that PRO BAR, in coordination with the AFP and other relevant agencies, is taking all necessary steps to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. As we approach the election period, we call on all groups—particularly political actors and community leaders—to refrain from any actions that may provoke violence, sow fear, or undermine the democratic process,” it added.

Based on data gathered by GMA Integrated News Research, Shariff Aguak is classified as election area of concern under orange category, which means a combination of two or more factors under the yellow category is present.

According to a report by GMA News Online, areas under yellow category have reported suspected election-related incidents in the past two polls, provided there was no participation of domestic terror groups. The areas should also be previously declared under Comelec control and reported the possible presence of armed groups, and intense political rivalries.

(With reports from Efren Mamac, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)