At least seven people, including a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were killed after they were shot by an armed group in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

The victims were attacked by an armed group at the boundary of Barangays Malinan and Estado dawn on Monday, November 24, 2025.

According to the Bangsamoro government, five of them were MILF members while the two others were from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Among those killed was an MILF commander, Salindato Edris Langalen, who was reported to have an outstanding arrest warrant for attempted murder.

“During the conduct of investigation, napag-alaman na nagkaroon ng engkwentro itong dalawang armadong grupo na kung saan ang isang grupo ay may pitong namatay at isa dito ay kanilang commander na meron na pong outstanding warrant of arrest sa kasong attempted murder,” Cotabato Police Provincial Office Spokesperson, Lt. James Warren Caang, said.

Police said the victims were not residents of North Cotabato. Reports said some of them were from Cotabato City and Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, and had only settled in the area recently.

“Nakonsidera po natin silang lawless armed group na pumasok dito sa area dahil nga hindi sila residente ng probinsya ng North Cotabato. Dumating lang sila sa Brgy. Malinan noong Agosto 8 ngayong taon at simula noon, nanirahan na sila diyan sa area ng Malinan,” Caang added.

Government forces are still pursuing the assailants, as of this writing.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has condemned the incident.

OPAPRU said that the incident may have been triggered by a longstanding land conflict.

OPAPRU assured that it would coordinate with local government units and authorities to resolve the case and restore peace in the area.

The Bangsamoro government also expressed concern over the killing.

“Any act that results in the loss of life is unacceptable and threatens the peace and trust we continue to uphold under Moral Governance,” BARMM Chief Minister, Abdulraof Macacua, said.

The Bangsamoro government called for a thorough probe with impartiality, professionalism, and integrity.

“We call for a thorough investigation to immediately establish verified facts, determine accountability, and ensure that due process is strictly observed,” Macacua added.