At least 13 high-powered firearms and explosives were seized in joint military and police operations in conflict-affected areas in Cotabato and Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM).

The operation was carried out in Barangay Lomopog, Midsayap, Cotabato and Nabaliwag, SGA-BARMM, targeting armed groups allegedly involved in community-based conflicts.

Among the guns seized included an M16, U-M4 rifles, 81MM mortar, K3 machine gun, Garand rifle, rifle grenades, hand fragmentation grenades, ammunition, and explosives.

According to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), the firearms came from three groups engaged in local conflicts, including the group of Nabalawag Mayor Renz Takuran, the group of Commander Kutay, and another local armed group.

Authorities learned that the clashes were rooted in a “rido” or clan feud, which began on January 29 until March 6, 2026. The conflict left two people dead, five civilians wounded, and more than 1,500 families displaced.

“The lives of our constituents are upstate so far meron ng limang recorded na wonuded, dalawang separate na namatay, and around 1,500 families need to evacuate because of the shooting,” 602IB Coommander, Brigadier General Ricky Bunayog, said.

Prior to the operation, government forces coordinated with the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to address the armed confrontations.

The operation launched by authorities resulted in an encounter when an armed group opened fire. The firefight lasted for more than an hour.

“Nag-encounter at nakita nila nag-forward kami, nagtakbuhan sila at iniwanan ‘yung mga baril nila kaya wala tayong inabutan na tao at iniwanan nila ang kanilang mga baril,” Bunayog said.

6ID commander, Major General Jose Vladimir Cagara, issued a stern warning.

“Doon sa mga naglalabang armadong grupo let this be a warning to you: I will run after you. I don’t care kung sino ka, kung saan, kanino ka connected for as long as may nadadamay na mga inosenteng sibilgyan at lumalabag ka sa batas,” Cagara said.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the mayor of Nabalawag, SGA-BARMM and his rival group for a statement, as of this writing.